National Security Advisory Board - POLITY

National Security Advisory Board - POLITY

NEWS: The Government has reorganised the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) amid rising tensions with Pakistan, particularly after the Pahalgam terror attack. 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

  • Appointment of New Chairman:
    Alok Joshi, who previously served as the Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), has been appointed as the new Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), as part of a broader reorganization.
  • Induction of New Members:
    Seven new individuals from various sectors have been inducted into the NSAB, further diversifying the expertise and perspectives available to the board.

About the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)

1. Constitution and Background

  • Year of Establishment:
    The NSAB was established in December 1998 to strengthen India's national security decision-making process.
  • Nature of the Body:
    It functions as an advisory body composed primarily of eminent individuals from outside the government, providing independent and non-partisan insights.
  • Diverse Composition:
    The board includes experts from various domains such as industry, media, academia, strategic affairs, and civil society, enabling it to draw upon a wide range of professional and intellectual resources.

2. Primary Functions

  • Strategic Analysis and Long-Term Perspective:
    The NSAB plays a key role in conducting long-term, forward-looking analysis of emerging threats and opportunities related to national security.
  • Advisory Role to NSC:
    It serves as a think tank for the National Security Council (NSC), offering policy advice, recommendations, and actionable solutions on matters referred to it by the NSC.

 

2011 Naresh Chandra Task Force on National Security

  • Purpose of Formation:
    In 2011, a task force chaired by Naresh Chandra was constituted to undertake a comprehensive review of India's national security architecture.
  • Key Recommendations:

·         Creation of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS):
Recommended establishing the post of CDS to unify military leadership and streamline coordination among the three armed services (Army, Navy, Air Force).

·         Enhanced Intelligence Coordination:
Emphasized the need for improving coordination among intelligence agencies and better integration of the Service headquarters with the Ministry of Defence.

·         Security of Critical Raw Materials:
Suggested that India ensure secure and sustainable access to critical raw materials, vital for both civilian industries and defence production.

National Security Council

  • Establishment: The NSC was established in 1998 by the government of then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee following nuclear tests by India and Pakistan. It is the apex body for national security management in India.
    • Prior to the formation of the NSC, the functions related to national security were carried out by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.
    • It operates under a three-tier structure i.e. Strategic Policy Group (SPG), National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).
  • Three-tier Structure of NSC:
    • Strategic Policy Group (SPG): The SPG is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, consisting of serving senior officials responsible for policy-making and for follow up action in matters concerning national security. 
      • It includes the Chiefs of the Armed Forces, the Intelligence Bureau and the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW). Its main task is to make policy recommendations to the NSC.
    • National Security Advisory Board (NSAB):  It includes senior retired officials, academics, and experts from civil society. 
      • It provides long-term analysis and policy recommendations on national security issues to the NSC, covering areas like Internal and External Security, Foreign Affairs, Defence, Science & Technology, and Economic Affairs.
    • National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS): It is overseen by the Prime Minister, operates with NSA as its secretary, and serves as the apex body for all matters concerning internal and external security.
  • Heads: The NSC is headed by the Prime Minister of India. The NSA acts as the secretary of the NSC and also as the primary advisor to the prime minister. The headquarters of the NSC is located in New Delhi.
    • Ajit Doval is the current NSA, serving a third term. He is the longest-serving NSA in India’s history, with a tenure of over 10 years. Brajesh Mishra served as the country’s first NSA.  
    • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) in India appoints top government positions. It is chaired by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Home Affairs. 
      • The committee processes proposals for senior government appointments and makes decisions on positions such as the National Security Advisor.
  • NSC Members: Besides the NSA, it includes Deputy NSA and additional NSA, Ministers of Defence, External Affairs, Home Affairs, and Finance of the Government of India, and the Vice Chairman of the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India). Additional officials may be invited to monthly meetings as needed.

 

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/govt-revamps-national-security-advisory-board-appoints-ex-raw-chief-alok-joshi-its-chairman/article69509330.ece