Studying international relations revolves around the concept of security. In the twenty-first century, national security is the most important type of security. Individual human rights emerged as a result of the end of the Cold War. Some rights, on the other hand, can endanger national security. The term "national security" should be interpreted broadly, as it encompasses more than just dealing with military threats. It must be viewed as a safeguard against long-term threats as well as protection from unexpected disruptions in daily routines. National security is also defined as the safeguarding of national values against a variety of threats. The security of the national territory, the protection of the lives and property of its citizens, the existence and maintenance of its national sovereignty, and the performance of its basic societal functions are all part of national security. This article will explain to you some issues that are related to security which will be helpful in preparing for the International Relations in UPSC Civil Services Examination.

India and Nuclear Disarmament

• India is committed to nuclear disarmament that is universal, non-discriminatory, and verifiable.
• India maintains a policy of No First Use (NFU) against nuclear-weapon states and non-use against non-nuclear-weapon states.
• India's recent stance indicates that its key principles regarding the NFU principle have not been revised.
• In 2019, the Defence Minister hinted at the possibility of changing the principle, saying that the "No First Use" stance would be determined by "circumstances."
• India is an important partner in global efforts to reduce nuclear weapons and strengthen the non-proliferation regime.
• After meaningful dialogues among all States possessing nuclear weapons, India believes that nuclear disarmament can be achieved in a step-by-step process underpinned by a universal commitment and an agreed multilateral framework.

Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)

• Ahead of a review of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) 1970, the pledge was made in a rare joint statement.
• The statement comes as tensions between Russia and the United States have reached levels not seen since the Cold War as a result of Russia's troop build-up near the Ukrainian border.
• The statement also comes as world powers try to reach an agreement with Iran on reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) 2015, which was put on hold after the United States pulled out of the agreement in 2018.

Bio-Terrorism

• To terrorize the civilian population, bioterrorism is the deliberate and intentional release of biological agents such as viruses, bacteria, toxins, or other harmful agents to cause illness or death among humans, food crops, and livestock.
• Because they can be altered, tailored, or mutated, they are extremely dangerous.
• It only takes a small amount to have a disastrous effect. It is also known as 'Germ Warfare.'
• This article clarifies the various aspects of bioterrorism.

Space Warfare

• While land, sea, and air warfare receive a lot of attention, outer space is the new battleground for competition and rivalry.
• It is essential to concentrate on space security. Space warfare is combat that takes place outside of the atmosphere, in outer space.
• Ground-to-space warfare, such as attacking satellites from the Earth, and space-to-space warfare, such as satellites attacking satellites, are both examples of space warfare.

*To know more about this, click Space Warfare.

Financial Action Task Force

• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1989 at the G7 Summit in Paris.
• The FATF's goals are to set standards and promote the effective implementation of legal, regulatory, and operational measures to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other threats to the international financial system's integrity.
• Its Secretariat is based at the headquarters of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris.
• It has thirty-seven member countries.
• India is a member of this group.

*To know more about this, click FATF.

Border Infrastructure and Shekatkar Committee Recommendations

• Manohar Parrikar, the then-Defence Minister, established the Shekatkar Committee in 2015.
• Lt General D B Shekatkar presided over the Committee (Retd.).
• The Committee's mission was to propose measures to improve combat capability and rebalance defense spending among the armed forces.
• In terms of border infrastructure, the government has implemented the CoE's recommendation to outsource road construction work beyond the Border Roads Organisation's (BRO) optimal capacity.
• For all works costing more than Rs 100 crore, the use of an Engineering Procurement Contract (EPC) has been made mandatory.
• The other recommendation, relating to the introduction of modern construction plants, equipment, and machinery, has been implemented by delegating increased procurement powers to BRO for domestic and international procurements, from Rs 7.5 crore to Rs 100 crore.
• Border Roads has recently been added for faster road laying, remote-controlled Hydraulic Rock Drills for hard rock cutting, and a range of self-propelled snow-cutters/blowers for faster snow removal.

Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs)

• IBGs are brigade-sized, self-contained combat formations capable of launching strikes against adversaries quickly.
• Depending on the location, IBGs can be deployed in as little as 12-48 hours.
• The threat, Terrain, and Task will be used to organize each IBG.
• For example, the composition of each IBG would differ depending on the terrain in which it operates; for example, an IBG operating in the desert would be different from one operating in the mountains.
• A Major General will command each IBG.
• The border's integrated units will include artillery, armored vehicles, combat engineers, and signal units.
• Defensive and offensive IBGs are the two types of IBGs.
• At vulnerable points or where enemy action is expected, defensive IBGs would hold ground.
• Offensive IBGs have the ability to rapidly mobilize and launch strikes into enemy territory.
• After years of deliberation, the Army has decided to raise IBGs along China's and Pakistan's borders, which will aid it in carrying out quick strikes in the event of a war

Militarization of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• Many Indian security experts have proposed balancing China in the maritime domain as a result of the Galwan valley standoff with China.
• In this context, India's military presence in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) must be strengthened.
• Militarisation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is not a novel concept. Indian defense experts have advocated for the ANI's strategic infrastructure to be strengthened since the 1980s.
• The strategic development of the ANI, on the other hand, is not an easy decision for India's defense and foreign policy establishments.
• The expanding scope of a Tri-Command Service has resulted from the changing nature of warfare in the twenty-first century.
• As Andaman and Nicobar is India's only Tri-Command structure, ANI's military infrastructure development is a critical component of the country's security strategy.

Defense Acquisition Procedure 2020

• The military acquisition procedure, also known as the defense acquisition procedure, is the bureaucratic management and procurement process that deals with a country's investments in the technologies, programs, and product support required to achieve its national security strategy and support its armed forces.
• After more than a year of deliberation, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) released the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 (DAP 2020) in September 2020.
• This was released in an effort to further streamline the procurement process and boost indigenous arms manufacturing.
• The new procurement manual updates and expands on some of the previous document's provisions while also adding new ones.
• From October 1, the new policy took the place of the 2016 Defence Procurement Procedure.

*To know more about this, click Defence Acquisition Procedure.

Draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP)

• The DPEPP 2020 is envisioned as an overarching guiding document that will give the country's defense production capabilities a focused, structured, and significant boost for self-reliance and exports.
• The objectives of DPEPP includes
  • By 2025, it aims to have a turnover of Rs. 1,75,000 crore, with exports of Rs. 35,000 crore in aerospace and defense goods and services.
  • To build a dynamic, resilient, and competitive defense industry, including the aerospace and naval shipbuilding industries, to meet the needs of the armed forces with high-quality products.
  • Reduce import dependency and advance "Make in India" initiatives through domestic design and development.
  • To encourage the export of defense products and to integrate into global defense value chains.
  • To foster an environment that encourages R&D, rewards innovation fosters Indian Intellectual Property (IP) ownership and promotes a strong and self-reliant defense industry.

Intelligence reforms

• India's attempts to improve its intelligence infrastructure and capabilities have traditionally been reactive and incremental, rather than comprehensive and long-term.
• This was evident, for example, in the aftermath of the Kargil War and in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008.
• India has rarely undertaken proactive reforms and has done little in the aftermath of crises to implement corrective measures.
• This brief includes recommendations for a concrete framework for transforming the country's intelligence capabilities, with a focus on technology.
• People, paisa (money), and processes are the three pillars of India's national security innovation strategy.
• A tripartite partnership between the government, the private sector, and academia will be required to create such a framework.
• Best practices from other countries have shown that regional ecosystems made up of networks of technology firms, capital markets, and research institutions are responsible for a large portion of innovation.
• To quickly build local capacity, the first step is to identify specific technology pathways and create a concrete five-year plan.
• In contrast to a diffused approach, this necessitates a targeted approach that encourages accountability.
• All efforts must converge within the time frame allotted and toward a common goal: enhancing Indian capability in a set of technologies that will benefit the intelligence community.
• To determine which areas of technology intelligence agencies should concentrate on, one can look to others with similar goals, such as the Five Eyes or the Chinese.
• These examples demonstrate the basic principle that all intelligence work is performed using two basic senses: sight and hearing.
• To detect threats as well as deceive adversaries, technology will be shaped around these senses.
• Building local capabilities in cyber-defense and satellite call interception, for example, is critical.
• The second step is to unleash a slew of policy levers aimed at achieving a single goal.
• Short-term reforms will be the focus of some of these policies, while longer-term structural changes will be the focus of others.
• India must foster a culture of technology and innovation if it wants to develop a technology base to improve its intelligence capabilities.

National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)

• The National Intelligence Grid, or NATGRID, is a component of former Home Minister P. Chidambaram's major reform of India's intelligence and security framework.
• It was proposed in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack in 2008, which exposed flaws in India's intelligence gathering and action networks.
• NATGRID and the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2020, giving NATGRID access to FIRs and reports on stolen vehicles.
• This is part of NATGRID's ongoing effort to become the security and intelligence community's centralized data access solution.
• Despite the fact that the police force is on the State List, approximately 14000 police stations across the country are required to file First Information Reports (FIRs) in the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) database.
• After the proposed plan in the MoU goes live, NCRB will act as a central repository and share CCTNS data with NATGRID.

*To know more about this, click National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)

Lone Wolf Attacks

• Individuals who commit violent acts of terrorism outside of a command structure are referred to as "lone wolves" by US law enforcement agencies and the media.
• A lone actor, lone-actor terrorist, or lone wolf is an individual who plans and executes violent acts without the assistance of any group or command structure.
• They may be influenced or motivated by an external group's ideology and beliefs, and they may act in support of that group.

*To know more about this, click Lone Wolf Attacks

Conclusion

It is clear that India must resolutely address the emerging set of challenges and opportunities in the changed world order in a coordinated and comprehensive framework, with its ability to project its (long-term strategic perspectives and interests in responding to the interplay of domestic imperatives, regional balance of forces, and global dynamics in the coming decades being of paramount importance. Overcoming the current difficulties and obstacles would undoubtedly be the unifying reality of India as a largely independent nation destined to play a significant role on the global stage. However, India's need to grapple with the complexities of the rapidly changing configuration of forces at home, regionally, and globally remains self-evident.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following best describes the concept of “National Security”?

A) Protection of a country's economy
B) Protection of a country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity
C) Protection of a country’s political system
D) Protection of a country’s technological infrastructure

2. Which international body is responsible for peacekeeping operations in conflict zones?

A) World Trade Organization (WTO)
B) International Monetary Fund (IMF)
C) United Nations (UN)
D) World Health Organization (WHO)

3. What is an example of a non-traditional security threat?

A) Conventional warfare
B) Cyber-attacks
C) Border disputes
D) Military coups

4. Which of the following is a key principle of human security?

A) Prioritizing state sovereignty over individual well-being
B) Focusing on military security
C) Ensuring freedom from fear and want for individuals
D) Strengthening national defense forces

5. The concept of “cybersecurity” falls under which category of security?

A) Traditional security
B) Economic security
C) Non-traditional security
D) Human security

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Critically analyze the role of the United Nations in ensuring international security. What are the challenges it faces in achieving its goals?

Answer: The United Nations (UN) plays a pivotal role in ensuring international security through its peacekeeping operations, conflict mediation, and enforcement of sanctions via the Security Council. The UN's primary goal is to maintain peace, prevent conflicts, and provide humanitarian assistance during crises. However, it faces several challenges, including limited enforcement power, dependence on member state contributions, and the veto power held by the permanent members of the Security Council, which often paralyzes decision-making. The rise of non-state actors, such as terrorist organizations, and the increasing complexity of modern conflicts have further complicated the UN's ability to address security threats effectively. Despite these challenges, the UN remains an essential platform for fostering international cooperation and dialogue.

Q2: How do non-traditional security threats such as climate change and pandemics impact international relations? Discuss their implications for global cooperation.

Answer: Non-traditional security threats like climate change and pandemics transcend national borders, impacting global security and requiring international cooperation. Climate change leads to resource scarcity, migration, and natural disasters, which can exacerbate conflicts and strain international relations. Similarly, pandemics, as seen with COVID-19, highlight the vulnerability of interconnected global systems and the need for collaborative health responses. These issues challenge traditional national security paradigms, as they are not limited to military confrontations but affect economic stability, public health, and social order. Addressing these threats necessitates strengthening global governance frameworks, enhancing international cooperation, and integrating environmental and health concerns into national security policies.

Q3: What are the challenges posed by cyber warfare to national and international security? How can countries mitigate these threats?

Answer: Cyber warfare presents unique challenges to national and international security, as it can disrupt critical infrastructure, steal sensitive information, and even destabilize governments. Unlike traditional warfare, cyber attacks can be launched remotely and anonymously, making attribution difficult. Furthermore, the potential for cyber weapons to cause widespread damage without physical confrontation complicates diplomatic and military responses. To mitigate these threats, countries must invest in cybersecurity measures, develop cyber defense capabilities, and cooperate in international forums to establish norms and regulations for cyber conduct. Enhancing public-private partnerships in cybersecurity, improving threat intelligence sharing, and developing resilient infrastructure are essential to countering cyber warfare's growing risks.

Previous Year Questions on International Relations

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Which of the following is a major challenge in addressing non-traditional security threats like cybercrime and climate change?

A) Lack of funding
B) Inadequate international cooperation
C) Political instability
D) Limited technological infrastructure

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Non-traditional security threats like cybercrime and climate change require strong international cooperation, but political differences and lack of unified global policies hinder effective action.

2. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019:

Question: Which of the following is NOT an example of a non-traditional security threat?

A) Climate change
B) Cyber attacks
C) Conventional military conflict
D) Terrorism

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Conventional military conflict is a traditional security threat, while climate change, cyber attacks, and terrorism are considered non-traditional security threats.