| PYQ Relevance: Q) Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (UPSC CSE 2021) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on ‘Cyber Security’ (in 2022), and ‘Maritime Secuirty’ (2021).
India ranks fourth globally in defense spending, behind only the United States, China, and Russia in terms of military budget allocation. To maintain its ranking and achieve its development objectives by 2047, India must invest more in research frameworks.
Today’s editorial emphasizes the critical importance of enhancing research security, by taking an example of the United States as a means to protect national interests while fostering innovation and international collaboration. This content can be used as a successful case study to represent in your mains examination.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, the US Government has come up with defense and security developments, particularly in the form of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) new TRUST framework.
- Research security has emerged as a pressing concern in the context of India’s national security too, particularly as global collaborations in science and technology increase.
What measures are being implemented to enhance research security in India?
The MeitY is developing infrastructure for advanced R&D in cybersecurity to promote indigenous skills and capabilities.
- Technology Security Initiative with the UK: India has partnered with the United Kingdom to launch the Technology Security Initiative (TSI). This focuses on emerging technologies across sectors like telecommunications, semiconductors, AI, and biotech.
- National Cyber Security Policy 2013: It serves as a comprehensive framework for enhancing the protection of India’s cyberspace by encouraging R&D in cyber security to develop technologies tailored to national needs. This framework has set up mechanisms like the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) to address cyber threats
- Digital Personal Data Protection Bill (DPDPB) 2023: It includes the passage of the legislative measures, which aim to establish regulations for data processing entities to safeguard personal data and enhance privacy.
| CASE STUDY: The TRUST Framework (U.S.)The NSF has introduced the Trusted Research Using Safeguards and Transparency (TRUST) framework to assess grant proposals for potential national security risks. This initiative is designed to protect taxpayer investments in research while promoting beneficial international collaborations. The framework comprises three branches: 1. Personnel Assessment: Evaluating active personnel appointments and positions. 2. Compliance Monitoring: Identifying instances of noncompliance with disclosure requirements. 3. National Security Considerations: Incorporating foreseeable national security risks into research assessments. Rebecca Keiser, head of the NSF’s Office of Research Security Strategy and Policy, emphasized that while it is essential to mitigate risks, the U.S. must continue to lead in science and innovation without succumbing to an overly cautious compliance culture. |
Why is research security essential for national defense?
- Protection Against Foreign Influence: Foreign governments and entities often seek to exploit academic research for military and strategic advantages.
- This exploitation can manifest in various forms, including intellectual property theft, sensitive data, and technological innovations.
- The Department of Defense (DoD) has highlighted concerns regarding foreign interference that jeopardizes the integrity of National research, necessitating robust security measures to safeguard against these threats.
- Safeguarding National Interests: Research contributes significantly to national defense capabilities and technological advancements.
- The National Science Foundation (NSF) emphasizes that maintaining a secure research environment is crucial for fostering innovation while mitigating risks associated with foreign influence and espionage.
- Enhancing Readiness and Capability: Defense research provides insights into emerging technologies and potential threats, allowing for informed decision-making regarding national defense strategies.
- As noted in various reports, a decline in defense-related research funding can adversely affect a nation’s ability to respond to evolving security challenges.
- Compliance with Legislative Mandates: Recent legislative initiatives, such as the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33), mandate that federal funding agencies implement research security programs to protect federally funded research from foreign interference.
- These policies require institutions receiving significant federal funding to certify that they have established effective research security measures.
What are the challenges faced by Security Research Frameworks in India?
- Fragmentation of Efforts: Despite numerous initiatives, India’s approach to cybersecurity remains fragmented, due to insufficient collaboration among various stakeholders that hinder effective implementation of security measures.
- Shortage of Skilled Personnel: There is a significant gap in the availability of trained cybersecurity professionals. Further, the government’s inability to address emerging threats promptly due to a lack of expertise in critical areas like cyber forensics and incident response.
- Vulnerability of Critical Infrastructure: India’s critical infrastructure, such as power grids and communication networks, is susceptible to cyber-attacks, posing risks to national security. High-profile incidents, like the attempted attack on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, highlight these vulnerabilities.
- Evolving Threat Landscape: The rapid evolution of cyber threats, including advanced persistent threats (APTs) and state-sponsored cyber espionage, complicates the security landscape. APTs have sophisticated attacks that are hard to identify and counteract effectively.
How can collaboration between researchers and government agencies improve research integrity?
- Establishing Clear Guidelines and Standards: Collaborative efforts allow researchers and government agencies to develop clear guidelines for ethical research practices. Different governments can provide frameworks that outline expectations for research conduct, helping to prevent misconduct.
- Enhancing Risk Management: Working together enables a systematic approach to identifying and managing risks associated with research activities.Government agencies can help incorporate security measures into research protocols to mitigate risks related to foreign interference and data breaches.
- Facilitating Training and Capacity Building: Government partnerships can enhance the training of researchers in best practices for maintaining integrity. Different agencies/stakeholders can offer educational materials and training programs focused on ethical research conduct and compliance with regulations.
- Encouraging Transparency and Accountability: Collaborative frameworks can include mechanisms for reporting misconduct or conflicts of interest, ensuring issues are addressed promptly.
