Over the last decade, India has made remarkable strides in the realm of national security. The efforts to fortify India’s borders and counter internal threats have evolved beyond traditional warfare tactics and into new-age, technological approaches. This paradigm not only focuses on countering visible threats but also looks to build resilience against the invisible challenges of the digital age.
The Modi-led government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and extremism, striking at their roots with a multi-pronged strategy that extends beyond just military action. From creating new structures in defense administration to boosting defense manufacturing and exports, the government’s actions have highlighted the importance of self-reliance and domestic capacity building.
This article seeks to explore these different dimensions in depth and provide valuable insights into India’s national security strategy over the past decade, showcasing its commitment to creating a secure and peaceful environment for its citizens.
Achieving a Remarkable Reduction in Terrorism
The most noteworthy facet of India’s national security policy has been a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism. By 2023, a significant decline in terror attacks bears testament to the effectiveness of this stance.
In response to cross-border terrorism, India executed surgical strikes in 2016 and airstrikes in 2019. The intended message was clear – terrorism against India would not go unanswered. Furthermore, there hasn’t been a major terrorist attack in non-conflict zones since 2014, a significant victory for India’s internal security.
The number of attacks by Naxals and Left-Wing Extremists (LWE) has also dropped drastically, from 1136 in 2013-14 to 665 in 2020-21. Further demonstrating India’s effectiveness in counterterrorism, it boasts a 94% conviction rate in terror financing cases.
The nation’s stringent counterterrorism measures have led to the listing of 54 terrorists and 44 terrorist organizations under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Furthermore, over the last five years, Indian security forces neutralized over a thousand terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir.
Ushering in New-Age Reforms in Armed Forces
In the bid to adapt to evolving defence scenarios, the Indian Government has introduced several reforms. The creation of the Chief of Defence Staff post is a major step towards bringing in better coordination and synergy among the Indian Armed Forces.
41 ordinance factories have been regrouped under seven Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) to improve efficiency. The newly created Department of Military Affairs signifies the government’s intent to bring in civil-military synergy.
In addition, the “Agnipath” scheme has been launched to attract Indian youth to the defence sector, and there’s been significant encouragement for indigenous defence equipment, which boosts local defence industries and enhances India’s self-reliance in defence procurement.
Integration and Governance in Jammu & Kashmir
The abrogation of Article 370 by the Indian Government marked a historic shift in the nation’s approach towards Jammu & Kashmir. This significant decision has set the stage for the region’s progressive integration into the mainstream of India,
With the removal of Article 370, a staggering 890 central laws have now been extended to Jammu & Kashmir, ensuring uniformity of law and rights protection across the country. This legal assimilation signifies a monumental stride towards the incorporation of the region into the national mainstream, bridging the gap between the state and the rest of India.
Additionally, the government established Human Rights Commission, Women’s Rights Commission, and the SC/ST Rights Commission in the region. These commissions represent a crucial element of India’s democracy, ensuring the enforcement of civil rights protection and fostering a climate of accountability.
The incidence of terror attacks in Jammu & Kashmir has seen a sharp decline following the abrogation of Article 370. The figures bear this out clearly – from 417 terror attacks recorded in 2018, the number plummeted to 200 in 2021. This significant reduction signifies the success of India’s approach, demonstrating the potency of legal and administrative measures in countering terrorism.
Boosting Defense Expenditure and Exports
India’s commitment to national security over the years is evident in its increased defense expenditure, which saw a significant doubling from Rs 3.17 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 6.23 lakh crore in 2023-24. This substantial investment, channelled towards modernizing India’s defense capabilities, attests to the country’s firm resolve in upholding territorial sovereignty.
The nation has also achieved a significant leap in defense exports, underscoring its emergence as a key player in the global defense arena. The value of defense exports has seen a ten-fold increase, skyrocketing from Rs 1,521 crore in 2016-17 to Rs 15,920 crore in 2022-23. This dramatic rise not only signifies India’s growing capabilities in defense production but also its shift from a defense importer to an exporter.
The exponential growth in India’s defense expenditure and exports reflects the country’s proactive approach towards national security and its rising stature in global defense markets. The nation’s endeavors to enhance its defense capabilities while becoming a major defense exporter represents a strategic leap, positioning India as a formidable player in the international defense landscape.
Strengthening the Police Force and Addressing LWE Violence
In line with its commitment to national security and public safety, the Indian government has undertaken considerable strides towards modernizing the police force. This comprehensive endeavor has been bolstered by a significant financial commitment, with a budget allocation of Rs 26,275 crore designated for the period of 2021-26.
Central to this modernization plan is the deployment of the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS) across the country. This initiative, envisioned as a nationwide networked infrastructure for evolving a state-of-the-art IT-enabled system, aims to track criminal activities and suspects, connect all police stations, and provide comprehensive crime analytics for effective policing. This technological advancement ensures efficient information management, streamlining the operations of law enforcement agencies.
Alongside the CCTNS, the government is also focusing on improving the State Forensic Science Laboratories. These laboratories play a crucial role in modern criminal investigations by providing scientific and analytic support. The aim is to equip them with cutting-edge technology and train manpower to enhance their capacity, thereby improving the quality, speed, and credibility of forensic investigations.
In another significant initiative to tackle internal threats, the government approved the ‘National Policy and Action Plan to address Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)’ in 2015. This policy adopted a multi-pronged approach which included development measures, ensuring the rights and entitlements of local communities, and taking stringent security-related measures.
The effectiveness of the strategy is apparent in the consistent decline in LWE violence across the nation since its implementation. By 2022, LWE-related violent incidents had reduced by a remarkable 77% in comparison to an all-time high in 2010.
Bringing Peace to the Northeast and Kashmir
Over the past decade, significant changes have transpired in the security landscape of two sensitive regions in India: the Northeast and the Kashmir Valley. Both areas have seen a marked decrease in extremist activities, owing to a series of strategic actions by the Indian Government.
In Northeast India, a region once troubled by violent secessionist insurgencies and blockades, the transformation has been profound. The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has inked several peace accords with various insurgent groups over the years. The accords aimed at addressing the grievances of these groups and integrating them into mainstream society. Consequently, a large number of insurgents, over 8000 according to official figures, laid down their arms and surrendered, choosing to become partners in the peace and development of the region.
This strategic approach has had a significant impact, leading to a 76% reduction in extremist incidents in the region from 2014 to 2022. As a testament to the successful implementation of these peace accords, the Disturbed Areas Notification under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act has been completely withdrawn from states like Tripura and Meghalaya, indicating a return to normalcy.
In the Kashmir Valley, the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 marked a turning point in the region’s turbulent history. The removal of the article, which had long been a bone of contention, has led to a series of changes aimed at the socio-economic development of the region and its integration into mainstream India.
Following the abrogation, the region has witnessed a significant decline in terrorist incidents. Besides security measures, the government has also focused on improving the business environment, bringing reforms, conducting investor summits, and launching economic packages to spur local entrepreneurship and job creation.
These efforts have reaped results. In the year 2022-23 alone, Jammu & Kashmir received the highest ever investment of Rs. 1547.87 crore, signaling a renewed investor confidence in the region’s stability and growth potential. The government’s commitment to fostering peace, ensuring development, and integrating these regions into the mainstream has made a noticeable impact, marking a promising beginning to a new era of peace and prosperity.
Cybersecurity Initiatives
Recognising the growing threat of cyber warfare and the critical need to safeguard national security in the digital domain, the Indian Government has taken significant steps to enhance its cybersecurity framework. One such initiative has been the establishment of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), a testament to India’s commitment to defending its digital borders.
With an overarching mandate to prevent and combat cybercrime, the I4C’s tasks include facilitating online reporting of cybercrime incidents and information sharing amongst law enforcement agencies, intelligence units, and cybersecurity organisations. It also facilitates and coordinates investigations involving multiple jurisdictions or countries, providing a platform for synergy and effective action.
Another significant feature of the I4C is its focus on capacity building. Recognising the rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats, the Centre has developed cyber forensic cum training laboratories in 33 states and union territories across the country. These labs provide the necessary infrastructure and environment for training law enforcement agencies in cybercrime investigations and digital forensics.
Additionally, the Centre has developed the CyTrain portal, an online platform providing courses on critical aspects of cybercrime investigation, forensics, and prosecution. This effort aims to build the capacity of police officers and judicial personnel, strengthening their ability to deal with complex cybercrime cases.
As per the latest figures, more than 31,000 police officers across the nation have registered on the portal, and more than 8,300 certificates have been issued, indicating the reach and acceptance of this capacity-building initiative.
While India continues to face diverse geopolitical challenges, its relentless efforts to boost national security have yielded significant progress. The vision of the government transcends beyond strengthening the armed forces; it extends to addressing the root cause of violence and integrating dissidents into the mainstream. By sticking to the ‘Nation First’ policy, India is progressively moving towards a more secure and prosperous future.
