India Requires a National Security Strategy, Says Former NSA Shivshankar Menon

Former National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon said India requires a national security strategy and the government should come out with a white paper on defence.

India requires a national security strategy, and while it may take time, the government should come out with a white paper on defense to make clear its thinking on important issues, former National Security Advisor (NSA) Shivshankar Menon said on Wednesday.

Need for a National Security Strategy

Speaking at the launch of the book "India's National Security Challenges," edited by former Jammu and Kashmir governor N.N. Vohra, Menon also said deterrence has broken down on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Stressing that defense reforms are required, Menon said in the past, at least three attempts have been made to produce a national security strategy.

"At least three attempts that I know of in the past to produce a national security strategy. In each case, hesitation came not from professionals, but from the political level. I sense, but cannot prove, that they do not wish their hands to be tied," he said.

"If you agree on ends in a national strategy, you have to provide the means. I think this is where the resistance comes from," the former NSA said.

Lack of Clarity in the Role of CDS

Citing examples of a lack of clarity, Menon mentioned that the operational role of the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) is unclear.

"Today, if you look at the CDS charter, he is the principal military advisor...he is also equivalent to the Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, and he is also supposed to drive military reform. What is unclear is his operational role, and that is something on which we need much more clarity. There is also a larger issue of multiple institutions created over time, and their relation with each other," he said.

"A clear chain of command is essential if we have to respond to the security situation that faces us. Frankly, uncertainty in this aspect affects our capability to deter our adversaries," he said.

Need for a White Paper on Defence

Menon said while a full-fledged national security policy may be difficult at this time, the government should bring out a white paper on defense.

"It is time for a white paper on defense that makes clear the government's thinking on all of these issues and the path forward," he said.

Deterrence Broken Down on LAC with China

Commenting on the India-China border situation, Menon said, "Deterrence has broken down on the LAC with China. What happened in 2020 in the western sector and subsequent developments, including the disengagement in some areas, is evident in satellite pics that people can access. These do not suggest deterrence has been re-established."

"There is a political impasse and a military standoff. The LAC is live; there is nothing to suggest we are making progress. We are either stabilizing the border with China or preventing China from using the threat of action on the border," he said.

Incomplete Reforms

He also said that several reforms started during the term of General Bipin Rawat, the first CDS, have not been completed.

"Reform half done creates new vulnerabilities without resolving old ones. We are today in a situation where many reforms begun by the former CDS, those reforms are still incomplete. Besides, as I said, the operational role needs to be clear at every level, from NSA, CDS downward..." he said, citing the example of the Agnipath scheme, which he said, impacted India-Nepal relations.

In conclusion, India's national security is of utmost importance, and a comprehensive strategy is required to address the challenges it faces. The government should take the necessary steps to formulate and implement a robust national security strategy to safeguard the nation's interests.