Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Additional National Security Advisor (ANSA)
Why in the News?
- A new Additional National Security Advisor (ANSA) was appointed on July 1, 2024, marking the first time this position has been filled. The ANSA will assist the National Security Advisor (NSA) in managing the country’s national security affairs.
Recent Controversies about the NSA’s Role
- Recent controversies involving R&AW and the Agniveer initiative have brought the NSA’s role back into focus.
- Questions remain about the ideal background for the NSA and the prioritization of experience in internal versus external security.
National Security Advisor (NSA):
About the National Security Council of India:
|
Changes in the National Security Architecture
| Previous Structure | New Structure | |
| Additional National Security Advisor (ANSA) | The position was consistently vacant | New ANSA appointed for the first time |
| NSA’s Role | NSA had a more operational role | NSA’s role is now more advisory, focusing on strategic policy and advisory outfits |
| Reporting Structure | CDS, service chiefs, and Union secretaries reported to NSA and their respective ministers | CDS, service chiefs, and Union secretaries continue to report to NSA and their ministers; however, ANSA now acts as a gatekeeper |
| Size of NSA’s Organization | Smaller organization with no ANSA | Larger organization with an ANSA and three deputy NSAs |
| Daily Security Briefings | Directly by NSA | Unclear if briefings will be by NSA, ANSA, or both |
| Communication Chain | Direct communication between mid-level unit heads and NSA | ANSA acts as an intermediary between mid-level unit heads and NSA, adding a bureaucratic layer |
| Ministerial Reporting | NSA interacted with Union ministers and Prime Minister | Ministerial bosses also interact directly with respective secretaries, causing potential turf issues |
| Speculations and Future Roles | Speculations about the continuity and succession of the current NSA | Ongoing speculations about the future role and potential succession by the newly appointed ANSA |
| Internal Security Management | NSA handled internal security along with other duties | ANSA now specifically responsible for internal security management and threat analysis |
| Overall Security Strategy | NSA managed both strategic advisory and operational aspects | Separation of strategic advisory role (NSA) and operational internal security role (ANSA) |
Issues with the re-structuring:
- Bureaucratic Layering: The introduction of the ANSA adds an additional bureaucratic layer, potentially slowing down decision-making.
- Turf Issues: Potential conflicts between the NSA and the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, especially regarding convening meetings.
- Lack of clarity in Roles: Uncertainty about whether the NSA or ANSA will conduct daily security briefings, leading to possible communication confusion.
- Ministerial Reporting Dynamics: Challenges for ministers in managing secretaries’ dual reporting lines to both the NSA and their respective ministers.
- Operational Efficiency: The NSA’s shift to a more advisory role might affect the operational efficiency in handling immediate security threats.
Future of the NSA
- There is speculation about the future of the incumbent NSA, Ajit Doval, and whether his elevation is a precursor to retirement.
- Questions arise about whether ANSA Rajinder Khanna will succeed Doval or if an outsider will be appointed.
PYQ:[2021] 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. |
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