Conclave on A National Security Doctrine (NSD) For India

National security is a multifaceted concept incorporating internal and external factors which combine to ensures a secure and stable environment for growth and well being. There is very little discussion or understanding of what it involves primarily because India has no security doctrine or stated objectives. Such a public document would indicate the role of each organ of the state as also public and private institutions, additionally the cross-linkages that could guide strategy.

It would be for the Citizens of India and within the constitutional framework. The objectives for the nation would be within internationally accepted norms and obligations. Convinced of this necessity the DPG organised a Conclave on a National Security Doctrine for India on 15th and 16th February 2016 at the India International Centre, New Delhi.

A working paper was prepared for discussion and widely disseminated. Experts and seasoned practitioners from all over India deliberated over two days on it and other aspects that needed to be considered.

The Keynote Address was delivered by Ambassador Shyam Saran, Former Chairman of the NSAB. This was followed by two days of deliberations on economic vision; defence and foreign policy; internal peace and security; the science and technology thrust and the role of media. There were Participative Sessions on both days for additional comments and recommendations from all invitees. There was also a separate Dinner Session during which the need and structure of such a doctrine or strategy was discussed. The Conclave concluded with closing remarks and a Q&A session by the Foreign Secretary, Dr S Jaishankar.

Deliberations of the Conclave would be formulated into a proposed National Security Doctrine for the wider dissemination that will hopefully lead to increased public discussion on the subject and also perhaps inform Government opinion making. With India%u2019s dynamic, complex and multiple challenges, a clear statement of suggested broad objectives is the need of the day and central to DPG%u2019s mission.