Roadmap for Answer Writing
Introduction
- Purpose: Introduce the complexities of India’s internal security landscape.
- Context: Emphasize the roles of both external state and non-state actors in posing challenges.
Multidimensional Challenges
- Cross-Border Terrorism:
- Fact: States like Pakistan have been implicated in sponsoring terrorism, such as during the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which resulted in over 160 fatalities .
- Source: National Investigation Agency (NIA).
- Proxy Wars:
- Fact: External actors instigate low-intensity conflicts, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, where militancy is often supported from across the border .
- Source: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- Radicalisation:
- Fact: Non-state actors like ISIS use digital platforms to radicalize Indian youth, particularly noted in recruitment cases from Kerala .
- Source: Intelligence Bureau (IB) reports.
- Cyber Attacks:
- Fact: Countries such as China and North Korea are significant cyber threats, as seen in the 2020 attack on India’s power grid .
- Source: CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team).
- Drug Trafficking:
- Fact: Drug syndicates from the Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle regions destabilize northern states, contributing to social and security issues .
- Source: Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
- Left-Wing Extremism (LWE):
- Fact: LWE is a major threat in states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, with some external support alleged .
- Source: MHA reports.
- North East Insurgency:
- Fact: Separatist groups in the Northeast, like the NSCN (Khaplang), reportedly receive assistance from external actors, including Chinese intelligence .
- Source: Ministry of Defence.
- Jammu and Kashmir:
- Fact: The ISI of Pakistan has been implicated in providing support to separatist groups in Jammu and Kashmir .
- Source: MHA investigations.
Measures to Combat these Threats
- Strengthening Intelligence:
- Fact: Initiatives like the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) enhance coordination and intelligence sharing among various agencies .
- Source: Government of India.
- International Cooperation:
- Fact: India collaborates with international bodies such as the UN and ASEAN to tackle common security threats .
- Cyber Security:
- Fact: The National Cyber Security Policy aims to bolster India’s cyber defense capabilities against external threats .
- Socio-Economic Development:
- Fact: Initiatives like the Aspirational Districts Programme seek to reduce socio-economic disparities, thereby countering the appeal of radical ideologies .
- Strict Law Enforcement:
- Fact: Enforcing laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act deters activities related to drug trafficking and terrorism financing .
Conclusion
- Summary: Recap the multifaceted challenges posed by external actors to India’s internal security.
- Call to Action: Emphasize the need for comprehensive measures to enhance national security against these complex threats.
Multidimensional Challenges to Internal Security in India
Challenges from External State Actors:
Challenges from Non-State Actors:
Measures Required to Combat These Threats:
By addressing these multidimensional challenges through a combination of strategic, operational, and policy measures, India can enhance its internal security and resilience against both state and non-state actors.
Model Answer
Introduction
India’s internal security landscape is multifaceted, challenged by both external state and non-state actors. Their activities complicate national security, necessitating a comprehensive analysis of the threats and effective countermeasures.
Multidimensional Challenges
Measures to Combat these Threats
Conclusion
The threats from external state and non-state actors to India’s internal security are complex and require comprehensive strategies. By enhancing intelligence, fostering international cooperation, improving cybersecurity, promoting socio-economic development, and enforcing laws, India can bolster its defenses against these multifaceted challenges.