India's Need for a National Security Strategy

Key Points

• 1India currently lacks a National Security Strategy (NSS), unlike most powerful states.
• 2An NSS would force the government to undertake a comprehensive strategic assessment of threats and opportunities.
• 3It would provide a coherent framework for long-term planning, helping to secure India's interests and deter adversaries.
• 4An NSS would clarify India's strategic intent, signal to friends and foes and provide an instrument for government coordination.
• 5An NSS would introduce accountability tools to ensure that the bureaucracy adheres to the political leadership's intent.