Policy Update
Aditi Kumari
National Security Day, referred to as Rashtriya Suraksha Diwas, is commemorated every year on March 4 in India. This significant occasion honors the bravery, commitment, and sacrifices made by the nation’s security forces. It acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the Police, Military, Para-Military, Guards, Commandos, and various other agencies dedicated to upholding the country’s peace and safety. It also celebrates crucial milestones in India’s ongoing quest for enhanced national security.
Historical Context and Evolution
The origins of National Security Day can be traced back to the establishment of the Safety Council in 1966. The first observance took place in 1972, marking the beginning of an annual tradition that highlights India’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens. Over the decades, the scope of the day has expanded from merely celebrating the armed forces to encompassing broader aspects of security, including cyber safety and technological advancements.
A significant development in India’s security framework was the establishment of the National Security Council (NSC) on November 19, 1998, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The NSC serves as a key federal institution that provides strategic guidance on national security matters. With the Prime Minister as its Chairman and the National Security Advisor (NSA) acting as its Secretary, the first of whom was Brajesh Mishra, the NSC has evolved into a multi-tiered body addressing issues ranging from defense and counterterrorism to economic security and cyber defense.
Structure of the National Security Council (NSC)
The NSC is organized into three distinct tiers:
- Strategic Policy Group (SPG): Chaired by the NSA, this group is at the core of decision-making, focusing on developing strategic policies for national security.
- National Security Advisory Board (NSAB): Initiated by Brajesh Mishra, this board comprises eminent experts from various fields such as academia, former security officials, and civil society, providing nuanced perspectives on security challenges.
- Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC): Tasked with analyzing intelligence from multiple agencies—including the Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing—the JIC delivers comprehensive assessments of both domestic and international security threats.
Before the NSC was established, national security responsibilities were managed by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, highlighting a significant shift toward a more integrated and specialized security apparatus.
Key functions of the NSC include:
- Comprehensive Security Oversight: Managing internal and external security policies, defense strategies, and counter-terrorism efforts.
- Cyber Security Initiatives: Spearheading the formulation of the National Cyber Security Strategy to safeguard critical information infrastructure.
- Maritime Security Cooperation: Collaborating with international partners to enhance regional maritime security and safeguard strategic routes.
- Technological Advancements: Promoting technological integration in defense, including innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and space technology.
The current NSA, Mr Ajit Doval, continues to guide these initiatives from the NSC headquarters in New Delhi, ensuring that India’s security policies remain forward-thinking and robust.
Recent developments in India’s defence sector:
The country’s defence budget was ₹2,53,346 crore in 2013-14. It has significantly increased to ₹6,21,940.85 crore in 2024-25, showing a strong commitment to national defence.
Source: PIB
- Record Defence Production: In Financial Year 2023-24, India’s domestic defence production reached a record high of ₹1.27 lakh crore. This marks an impressive increase of approximately 174% from ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15.
- Rising Defence Exports: Defence exports have surged to Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, reflecting the country’s growing prominence in the global defence market under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
- Year of Reform: The Ministry of Defence has declared 2025 as the ‘year of reform,’ focusing on transforming the armed forces into a technologically advanced, combat-ready entity.
- Defence Industrial Complex: India boasts one of the largest defence industrial complexes in the world, with 39 ordnance factories, 9 defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs), and over 50 DRDO research laboratories.
- Future Goals: Looking ahead, India aims to achieve a defence production goal of Rs 3 lakh crore by 2029, solidifying its status as a major global defence industry hub.
Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence is driving self-reliance through indigenous manufacturing, restricted imports, private sector participation, R&D support, and global collaborations. It strengthens national security, boosts exports, and creates jobs.
Key initiatives in cybersecurity from the Indian Government include:
- Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) Established as the national agency for incident response, CERT-In plays a vital role in safeguarding India’s cyber landscape and operates a 24×7 incident response Help Desk to ensure timely responses to reported cybersecurity incidents. CERT-In offers Incident Prevention and Response services, along with Security Quality Management Services, to enhance cybersecurity measures.
- Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) The Indian government established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to enhance the coordinated response of law enforcement agencies to cybercrimes, providing a cohesive framework for addressing digital threats comprehensively.
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in) enables the public to report cybercrimes directly, with incidents automatically routed to the respective State/UT law enforcement agencies for handling.
- Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System This system facilitates immediate reporting of financial frauds and prevents fund siphoning and includes a toll-free helpline, ‘1930’, to assist with lodging online cyber complaints.
- Awareness Campaigns The government uses extensive awareness campaigns to educate the public and stakeholders about cyber threats, issuing regular alerts and advisories to highlight emerging risks, conducting specialized capacity-building and training programs for law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, and judicial officers, and improving cyber forensic facilities to bolster investigative capabilities.
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 This act protects individuals’ rights over their personal data, ensuring lawful use with consent, purpose limitation, minimal collection, accuracy, restricted storage, strong security, and accountability through penalties. It also mandates strict safeguards for data transfers and requires payment system data to be stored in India.
- Cyber Swachhta Kendra CERT-In manages the Cyber Swachhta Kendra for detecting and removing malicious programs, as well as providing cybersecurity tips.
- Cyber Crisis Management Plan CERT-In has formulated a Cyber Crisis Management Plan for countering cyberattacks across government and critical sectors.
- Cybersecurity Mock Drills CERT-In conducts cybersecurity mock drills to assess the readiness of organizations.
These initiatives strengthen India’s cybersecurity and protect citizens, businesses, and critical sectors. The government focuses on technology, policies, and awareness to combat cyber threats. Collaboration with global agencies enhances resilience against evolving risks.
India has strengthened Maritime security cooperation through key initiatives:
- Capacity Enhancement: Strengthening surveillance and patrol capabilities of maritime security agencies to effectively monitor the nation’s maritime zones.
- Technical Surveillance: Implementing advanced technical systems to monitor coastal and offshore areas, enhancing situational awareness.
- Inter-Agency Coordination: Establishing mechanisms to improve coordination among various agencies involved in maritime security.
- Regulation of Maritime Activities: Increasing oversight of activities within maritime zones to ensure compliance with security protocols.
- Community Integration: Engaging fishing and coastal communities in security efforts to create a collaborative security environment.
- Joint Operations: Collaborates with regional navies for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, coordinated patrols along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), and maritime exercises. Eg, Maritime Exercise Malabar 2024.
- Information Sharing: Exchanges intelligence with friendly nations to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).
- Regional Cooperation: Engages in forums like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum (ARF), East Asia Summit (EAS), and ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM Plus) to boost security ties in the Indo-Pacific.
These efforts protect India’s maritime interests and enhance coastal security. Stronger partnerships, technology, and community involvement improve vigilance. Regional cooperation boosts stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming defense operations globally, including in India, by enhancing various military functions:
1. Threat Assessment: AI algorithms analyze vast data to identify potential threats, enabling proactive defense measures.
2. Logistics Optimization: AI streamlines supply chains and resource management, ensuring timely support for military operations.
3. Cybersecurity: AI detects and neutralizes cyber threats, protecting critical defense infrastructure from attacks.
4. Surveillance and Reconnaissance: AI-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) enhance surveillance capabilities, providing real-time intelligence.
5. Autonomous Weapon Systems: AI enables the development of autonomous weapons, prompting ethical debates on their use.
6. Decision Support: AI assists military decision-making by processing complex scenarios and suggesting optimal strategies.
Recently, at the AI Action Summit in Paris (Feb 10-11, 2025), India highlighted its commitment to integrating AI in defense, enhancing battlefield operations, and developing resource-efficient applications. Strengthening Indo-French ties, discussions focused on Scorpene submarines, missile systems, and jet engine technology. The summit reinforced India’s push for ethical AI in defense, balancing innovation with security.
India’s adoption of AI in defense faces key challenges, including limited organizational preparedness, inadequate investment in indigenous AI research, and constraints in data infrastructure. Additionally, ethical concerns and the risk of dependence on foreign technology highlight the need for robust policies and strategic planning.
To overcome these challenges, India must invest in robust infrastructure, cutting-edge research, and ethical AI governance to secure its defense future. AI integration is not just an upgrade. It is a game changer that enhances operational efficiency, sharpens situational awareness, and redefines strategic warfare in the modern era. Because, AI integration is not just an upgrade. It is a game changer that enhances operational efficiency, sharpens situational awareness, and redefines strategic warfare in the modern era.
Conclusion
National Security Day is a powerful reminder of the need for a comprehensive approach to safeguarding the nation. National security is not just about safeguarding India’s borders and strengthening its defense forces. It is also about ensuring the security, dignity, and well-being of every individual. A truly secure nation protects its citizens from external threats and internal challenges like cyber risks, economic instability, and social unrest.
In a world facing terrorism, cyber warfare, climate change, and pandemics, India must strengthen its national defense while contributing to international security. This requires strong diplomatic ties, participation in global security initiatives, and advancements in technology. Balancing national and international security needs a comprehensive approach. By fostering internal stability, promoting inclusive development, and engaging in global partnerships, India can create a future where security means peace, prosperity, and resilience at all levels.
References
- Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence. (2025). Ministry of Defence. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2098431
- 2025-26 as ‘Year of Reforms.’ (2025). Ministry of Defence. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2098485
- Key Initiatives to Enhance Cybersecurity Awareness. (2024). Ministry of Electronics & IT. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2037115
- Maritime Security. (2021). Ministry of Defence. https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1776090
- The Integration of Emerging Technologies in India’s Armed Forces. (2023). ORF (Observer Research Foundation). https://www.orfonline.org/research/towards-the-integration-of-emerging-technologies-in-india-s-armed-forces
- AI Action Summit in Paris. (2025). Prime Minister’s Office. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2102247
About the Author: Aditi Kumari is a research intern at the Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI), pursuing Post graduation in Sociology.
Acknowledgement: The author extends sincere gratitude to Aasthaba Jadeja for their invaluable guidance and informative inputs.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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