Editorial Analysis 26 June

SECURITY

India needs the anchor of a national security strategy

Source: The Hindu

Context

• The new National Democratic Alliance government in India must address various national security challenges, from military investments to international strategic relations.
• To effectively manage these issues, a comprehensive National Security Strategy (NSS) is proposed to guide long-term planning and coordinated efforts across government agencies.

Details

Key Points

• Need for a National Security Strategy (NSS):
  • India currently lacks a formal NSS, leading to ad-hoc decision-making in national security.
  • An NSS would help in conducting a comprehensive strategic assessment and provide a coherent framework for long-term planning.
• Strategic Risks:
  • India faces multiple strategic risks, such as climate change, pandemics and geopolitical challenges from China.
  • A systematic NSS would help address these long-term threats through coordinated policy efforts.
• Five Critical Benefits of an NSS:
  • Comprehensive Strategic Assessment: Regular reviews of threats and opportunities, helping prioritize long-term challenges.
  • Framework for Long-term Planning: Guides investment decisions, preventing waste of resources on low-value projects.
  • Instrument for Signalling: Clarifies India’s strategic intent to allies and adversaries.
  • Mechanism for Synchronization: Aligns efforts across military services and national security agencies.
  • Accountability Tool: Ensures transparency and adherence to political leadership’s intent.
• Related Data/Reports/Committees:
  • Kargil Review Committee Report (2000): Recommended reforms in India’s higher defence management, highlighting the need for integrated strategic planning.
  • Naresh Chandra Task Force (2012): Suggested measures for national security reforms, emphasizing the creation of a National Security Strategy.
  • NITI Aayog Reports: Highlight the importance of long-term strategic planning for national security and economic growth.
• Importance of Public Document:
  • An effective NSS should be a public document endorsed by the Prime Minister, signalling the government's strategic intent both domestically and internationally.
• Global Practices:
  • Most powerful states, such as the USA, regularly publish national security strategies to guide their long-term strategic planning and policy decisions
    

Sources:

The Hindu

ENVIRONMENT & SECURITY

Security and ecology

Source: Indian Express

Context

• The Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) archipelago holds significant strategic and economic importance for India's national security and development, yet has been historically neglected.
• Recent plans for the "Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island" aim to boost infrastructure but face environmental and social concerns, highlighting the need for balanced and sustainable approaches.

Details

Key Points

• Strategic Importance of A&N Islands:
  • Visionary historian-diplomat Sardar K M Panikkar emphasized the strategic control of the Indian Ocean through the A&N archipelago.
  • A&N Command (ANC) established in 2001 post-Kargil, focusing on defence but has faced neglect and is now seeing renewed efforts for fortification.
• Economic and Natural Resources:
  • A&N islands cover an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 600,000 sq km, constituting 30% of India’s total EEZ.
  • Rich in marine life and potential hydrocarbons, offering opportunities for sustainable growth in fisheries and tourism.
• Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island:
  • NITI Aayog's Rs 75,000 crore project aims to develop defence, logistics, commerce and eco-tourism infrastructure.
  • Includes international container transshipment terminal, international airport, power plants, greenfield cities, coastal mass transport, and free trade zone.
• Environmental and Social Concerns:
  • Project faces protests over potential impacts on the Shompen tribe and the unique biodiversity of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
  • Environmental clearances have been challenged by conservationists and various groups.
• Alternative Development Strategies:
  • Suggested to separate security capabilities from developmental projects.
  • Questions raised on the viability of another transshipment terminal in GNI given proximity to established hubs and the recent commissioning of Vizhinjam terminal.
  • Potential to develop other smaller islands in the Nicobar group to mitigate environmental impact.

Sources:

Indian Express

ECONOMY

CEREAL CONTROL

Source: Indian Express

Context

• Despite India's record wheat harvest of 112.93 million tonnes, the government has imposed stock limits on wheat to manage food security and curb inflation.
• The contrasting actions of projecting record production and imposing trade restrictions raise questions about the actual supply situation and the rationale behind these measures.

Details

Key Points

• Record Wheat Production:
  • Indian farmers have harvested an all-time-high wheat crop of 112.93 million tonnes, surpassing last year's record output of 110.55 million tonnes.
  • The Union Agriculture Ministry's data highlights the achievement of back-to-back record cereals output.
• Stock Limits and Trade Restrictions:
  • Stock limits imposed: 3,000 tonnes for wholesalers/big retailers, 10 tonnes for individual stores, and 70% of installed milling capacity for processors.
  • These limits were reintroduced on June 24 and will remain until March 31, 2025.
  • Export bans on non-basmati rice and wheat are in place to prevent hoarding and manage food security.
• Inflation and Government Stock Levels:
  • Retail cereal inflation was 8.69% year-on-year in May.
  • Wheat stocks in government godowns were 29.91 million tonnes on June 1, the lowest in 16 years for this date.
• Impact of Monsoon on Production:
  • A not-so-great monsoon can affect future rice production, despite current reasonable stock levels.
• Policy Contradictions:
  • The contradiction between the Agriculture Ministry's record crop projections and the Consumer Affairs Ministry's stock limits and trade restrictions.
  • Questions raised about why cereal inflation remains high despite bumper crops and trade restrictions.
• Recommendations:
  • Suggestion to scrap the 40% duty on wheat imports to address supply concerns.
  • Highlighting the need for consistent policy measures that align with production estimates and inflation control.

Sources:

Indian Express