Contemporary Non-Traditional Security Challenges of India

Introduction

Non-traditional security challenges refer to threats that are not typically addressed by traditional military means but have significant implications for national security. In India, these challenges have become increasingly prominent, impacting various aspects of society, economy, and environment.

1. Climate Change and Environmental Degradation

• Impact on Resources: Climate change has led to severe environmental degradation, affecting water resources, agriculture, and coastal areas.
  • Example: The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as the 2021 Uttarakhand floods, has caused widespread damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, highlighting the vulnerabilities of India’s disaster management systems.
• Rising Sea Levels: Coastal areas are experiencing erosion and salinization, threatening millions of people living in coastal regions.
  • Example: The Sundarbans region, home to the world’s largest mangrove forest, faces threats from rising sea levels, impacting both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of local communities.

2. Cybersecurity Threats

• Cyber Attacks and Data Breaches: As India advances in digital infrastructure, the risk of cyber attacks and data breaches has increased.
  • Example: In 2023, a significant data breach affected the Indian government’s DigiLocker system, exposing sensitive personal information of millions of citizens and highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
• Ransomware and Malware: The proliferation of ransomware and malware poses a serious threat to both private and public sector institutions.
  • Example: WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 impacted several Indian institutions, underscoring the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats.

3. Terrorism and Radicalization

• Domestic Terrorism: India continues to face challenges from domestic terrorist groups, including insurgencies and radicalized elements.
  • Example: The 2022 Kashmir violence saw an increase in targeted attacks by radicalized individuals and groups, affecting peace and stability in the region.
• Radicalization of Youth: The radicalization of youth through online platforms and extremist propaganda poses a growing concern.
  • Example: Online radicalization efforts by groups like ISIS have targeted Indian youth, leading to cases of individuals joining extremist activities.

4. Health Security and Pandemics

• Emerging Infectious Diseases: The outbreak of new infectious diseases poses a significant challenge to public health and security.
  • Example: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities in India’s health infrastructure and the need for robust pandemic preparedness and response systems.
• Bioterrorism Threats: The potential use of biological agents for terrorism also poses a security threat.
  • Example: Efforts to strengthen biosecurity measures are crucial to prevent the misuse of biological agents in terrorist activities.

5. Transnational Crime

• Human Trafficking and Drug Smuggling: India faces challenges from transnational crimes such as human trafficking and drug smuggling, which have serious social and economic consequences.
  • Example: The 2022 arrest of a drug cartel in Punjab involved in smuggling narcotics across borders, illustrating the ongoing problem of drug trafficking in India.
• Organized Crime: The rise of organized crime syndicates, involved in various illegal activities, threatens national security and public safety.
  • Example: The activities of criminal gangs in Mumbai, involved in extortion, smuggling, and other illegal enterprises, demonstrate the impact of organized crime on security.

6. Migration and Border Security

• Uncontrolled Migration: Migration, both legal and illegal, can strain resources and impact social cohesion.
  • Example: The influx of migrants from neighboring countries, such as Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, has created challenges for border security and resource management in various Indian states.
• Border Management: Ensuring effective border management and security to address both cross-border smuggling and illegal immigration remains a priority.
  • Example: The 2022 India-Bangladesh border fencing initiatives aimed to enhance border security and control illegal immigration.

Conclusion

India faces a range of contemporary non-traditional security challenges that extend beyond conventional military threats. Addressing issues such as climate change, cybersecurity, terrorism, health security, transnational crime, and migration requires a comprehensive approach that integrates various sectors and leverages both technological and policy solutions. Understanding these challenges is crucial for UPSC Mains aspirants to formulate effective strategies and policies for national security and development.