National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)

Posted 22 Aug 2024

Updated 29 Aug 2024

4 min read

Why in the news?

Recently, the government has appointed the Additional National Security Advisor (NSA) to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).

About National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)

NSCS created in the late 1990s acts as the secretariat for the National Security Council or NSC (refer the box in the end).
It is the apex advisory body on all internal and external security-related matters and headed by the National Security Advisor (NSA) the Secretary of the NSC.
It aims to provide the strategy, direction and long-term vision so that every ministry concerned with national security may be adequately prepared to address all possible threats.
The post of Additional NSA had always existed but remained vacant until now.
- The appointment of ANSA is expected to streamline and strengthen the functioning of NSCS.
It is comprised of:
- Three deputy NSAs: Drawn from various services like the Indian Foreign Service, the Indian Police Service, the armed forces etc.
- Military Adviser: Tasked with coordinating with the Ministry of Defence and overseeing the induction of new technologies.
- National Maritime Security Coordinator (NMSC): It is in charge of liaising with coastal states coast Guard & other maritime security agencies.

Organizational chart of the National Security Council (NSC). The hierarchy includes the Prime Minister (Chairman of NSC) at the top, followed by the National Security Advisor (NSA), and the Additional National Security Advisor (ANSA). Under ANSA are five roles: Deputy NSA (Technology and Intelligence), Deputy NSA (Strategic Affairs), Deputy NSA (Internal Affairs), Military Advisor, and National Maritime Security Coordinator.

In 2019, the allocation of Business Rules was amended to cover NSA and NSCS within its purview.
- Thus, NSA holds the rank of Cabinet Minister and NSA and NSCS can generate Cabinet notes, access relevant Cabinet papers, and participate in any Inter-Ministerial consultation.

Significance of Appointing ANSA

Niche Role for NSA: The ANSA will act as a key link between the NSA and other members of NSCS.
- The NSA can now concentrate more effectively on overseeing key advisory bodies of NSC including the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and Strategic Policy Group (SPG).
Ensuring continuity: The possibility of elevating the ANSA to the role of NSA would ensure continuity in the organisation.
Adapting to Emerging Needs: Continuous institutional reforms are necessary to respond to evolving geopolitical realities.

Way Ahead

Strengthening the role of NSA: Establish objective selection criteria with clear qualifications, define specific duties, and ensure a transparent chain of command within the national security framework.
Structural Changes in NSCS: Recruiting specialists with expertise in emerging security challenges and enhancing interdepartmental coordination to facilitate better anticipation of complex national security issues.
Implementing a 'Whole-of-Nation' approach: Developing partnerships between citizens, government agencies, the private sector, and civil society is essential for information sharing and joint national security initiatives.

National Security Council (NSC)

Constituted 25 years ago based on the recommendations of a task force headed by K.C. Pant (in 1999).
It is an apex advisory body headed by the Prime Minister (PM) and comprising of the Ministers of Finance, Defense, Home and External Affairs.
Its purpose is to promote integrated thinking and coordinated application of the resources of the State to protect and promote national security goals and objectives.
It is a 3-tiered organization
- Strategic Policy Group (SPG): It is the principal mechanism for inter-ministerial coordination and integration of relevant inputs in the formulation of national security policies. It is headed by NSA.
  - Other members include Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Cabinet Secretary, three services chiefs, RBI Governor, Secretaries of External Affairs, Home, Defence, Finance, Defence Production, Revenue, Atomic Energy, Space and NSCS besides Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister, Secretary (R) in Cabinet Secretariat and the Intelligence Bureau chief.
  - The Cabinet Secretary coordinates the implementation of SPG decisions by the Union Ministries and departments and State governments.
- National Security Advisory Board (NSAB): Its principal function is to undertake long term analysis and to provide perspectives on the national security issues to the NSC and to recommend measures/solutions and policy options on the issues referred to it by the National Security Council. It is headed by the NSA.
- Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC): Its task is to assess intelligence gathered by various intelligence agencies including Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). It functions under the NSCS.