Source: NIE
Context: India’s first National Security Strategy (NSS) is in its final drafting stage and is expected to be completed by December 2025.
- The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) is finalising the document, which integrates key areas like defence, cyber, and internal security.
About The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS):
What it is?
- NSCS is the secretariat of the National Security Council (NSC) — the apex advisory body on internal and external security matters.
- Functions as the core strategic planning body for India’s national security.
Origin: Created in the late 1990s, post-Kargil security reviews.
Headed by: The National Security Advisor (NSA), who holds the rank of Cabinet Minister.
- NSA is the Secretary of the NSC and chief of the NSCS.
Aim:
- Provide strategy, direction, and long-term vision for India’s security preparedness.
- Ensure coordinated action across ministries and agencies dealing with national security.
Members:
- Three Deputy NSAs – drawn from Indian Foreign Service, Indian Police Service, and Armed Forces.
- Military Adviser – coordinates with Ministry of Defence, oversees induction of technologies.
- National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC) – liaises with coastal states, Coast Guard, and maritime agencies.
- Additional NSA (ANSA) – position now activated to streamline functioning.
Functions and Powers:
- Drafts and reviews the National Security Strategy and related doctrines.
- Advises NSC on internal security, external threats, cyber resilience, economic security, and hybrid warfare.
- Coordinates intelligence, defence, and diplomatic inputs for integrated security planning.
- Holds powers to access Cabinet papers, generate Cabinet notes, and participate in policy-making.
- Acts as the nerve centre of India’s strategic and security decision-making ecosystem.
