NATIONAL POWER

INTRODUCTION
• Na onal Power is a key component of Interna onal Poli cs. Basically Interna onal
Poli cs is the process of struggle for power among Na ons in which each na on seeks to
secure its desired goals and objec ves of Na onal interests. Because of the absence of
sovereign or of a fully powerful centralized interna onal machinery making authorita ve
alloca on of values among the na ons and because of the sovereign status of each na on-
state, the securing of na onal interest by each state is always done by the use of its
na onal power.

Defini on:
Na onal power is the capacity or ability of a na on with the use of which it can
get its will obeyed by other na on. It involves the capacity to use force or threat of the use
of force over other na ons. With the use of Na onal Power a na on is able to control the
behaviour of other na ons in accordance with one’s own will.

NATURE OF NATIONAL POWER

 Power is different from Force and Influence
 Na onal Power is both Means as well as an End
 Na onal power is an ability to secure Na onal Interests
 It is dynamic in nature
 Na onal Power varies Na on to na on
 There are several elements of Na onal Power
 There is different between the Actual power and Poten al power of a Na on.
 Na onal Power is backed by Sanc ons
 Na onal Power depends on its Use.
 It is not Material Power
 Integrated nature of Na onal power

KINDS OF FORM OF NATIONAL POWER

 Military Power
 Economic Power
 Psychological power

METHOD OF EXERCISING NATIONAL POWER

 Persuasion
 Reward
 Punishment
 Manipula on
 Force
 Dominance
ELEMENTS OF NATIONAL POWER
1. GEOGRAPHY
 Size, Maps, Loca on
 Climate
 Boundaries
 Topography
2. NATURAL RESOURCES
 Minerals, Petroleum products, Crude oil
 Uranium
 Coal, Iron, Copper, lead, Gold, Sulpher, zinc etc.
3. Popula on
4. Economic Development
5. Technology
6. Military Preparedness
7. Na onal Character
8. Quality and type of the Government
9. Leadership
10. Efficiency of Bureaucracy
11. Diplomacy
12. Ideology
13. Educa on
14. Foreign Support and Dependency
15. Intelligence network

LIMITATION ON NATIONAL POWER

• Interna onal Law and Trea es
• Balance of Power
• Interna onal Morality
• Interna onal Public Opinion
• Interna onal Organisa ons
• Collec ve Security
• Disarmament and arm and control
Na onal Security
Na onal security refers to the protec on and preserva on of a na on's interests,
sovereignty, and well-being against internal and external threats. It encompasses various
aspects, including poli cal, economic, military, and societal dimensions. The primary goal
of na onal security is to ensure the safety and stability of a country and its ci zens.
Internal threats to na onal security can arise from factors such as terrorism, insurgency,
organized crime, civil unrest, and cybera acks. These threats can destabilize a na on,
compromise its ins tu ons, and harm its ci zens. Governments employ various measures,
such as intelligence gathering, law enforcement, and counterterrorism opera ons, to
counter internal threats.
External threats to na onal security typically come from other na ons or non-state actors.
These threats may include military aggression, territorial disputes, espionage, economic
coercion, and the prolifera on of weapons of mass destruc on. Na onal security
strategies o en involve diplomacy, alliances, military preparedness, and intelligence
sharing to deter poten al adversaries and protect the na on's interests.
In the modern era, na onal security also encompasses non-tradi onal threats such as
cybera acks, pandemics, climate change, and economic vulnerabili es. These emerging
challenges require governments to adapt their strategies and develop new capabili es to
address them effec vely.

NS vs ND
Na onal security refers to the broader concept of protec ng and preserving a na on's
interests, sovereignty, and well-being against internal and external threats. It encompasses
various dimensions, including poli cal, economic, military, societal, and environmental
aspects. Na onal security involves not only defense against military aggression but also
the protec on of cri cal infrastructure, economic stability, public safety, cybersecurity,
intelligence gathering, and counterterrorism efforts. It takes a comprehensive and holis c
approach, aiming to ensure the safety, stability, and prosperity of a na on as a whole.

Na onal defense, on the other hand, specifically refers to the military capabili es,
strategies, and opera ons that a na on employs to protect itself against external military
threats. It focuses primarily on the use of military force and defense mechanisms to deter
poten al adversaries, defend na onal territory, and ensure the physical security of a
na on and its ci zens. Na onal defense involves maintaining a strong military, including
army, navy, air force, and other branches, along with the development of military
doctrines, technologies, and infrastructure. It encompasses ac vi es such as border
security, military exercises, intelligence gathering, weapons development, and military
opera ons in mes of conflict.
Regional and global security
Regional and global security is a broad topic that encompasses various aspects of security,
such as military, economic, environmental, and poli cal security. Regional security refers
to the security of a par cular region or group of countries, while global security refers to
the security of the en re world.
Regional security is o en influenced by factors such as geography, history, culture, and
poli cs, while global security is influenced by factors such as interna onal rela ons,
economic interdependence, and technological advancements.
The rela onship between regional and global security is complex and interdependent.
Regional security issues can have global implica ons, and global security issues can have
regional implica ons 1. For example, a regional conflict can escalate into a global conflict if
it involves major powers or if it threatens global security.
In recent years, there has been a growing recogni on of the importance of regional and
global coopera on in addressing security challenges. This has led to the development of
various regional and global security frameworks and ins tu ons, such as the United
Na ons, NATO, and the Shanghai Coopera on Organiza on.

Elements of Na onal Security

Na onal security is a broad concept that encompasses various aspects of security, such as
military, economic, environmental, and poli cal security. The elements of na onal security
are interconnected with the elements of na onal power. Here are some of the commonly
listed elements of na onal security:

 Military security: This element concerns the protec on of a na on’s sovereignty

and territorial integrity through the use of military force.
 Poli cal security: This element concerns the stability of a na on’s poli cal system
and the protec on of its ci zens’ rights and freedoms.
 Economic security: This element concerns the protec on of a na on’s economic
interests, including its trade, investment, and financial systems.
 Energy security: This element concerns the availability and affordability of energy
resources, and the protec on of cri cal energy infrastructure.
 Environmental security: This element concerns the protec on of a na on’s natural
resources and ecosystems, and the mi ga on of environmental risks and threats.
 Cybersecurity: This element concerns the protec on of a na on’s informa on and
communica on systems from cyber threats and a acks.
 Foreign Policy

Q. What is a Foreign Policy?

 A country's foreign policy is the set of principles, interests, and goals that it
promotes in its interac ons with other countries.
 The objec ves and ac vi es of a state's foreign policy or external policy (as
opposed to its internal or domes c policy) in rela on to its interac ons with other
states, unions, and other poli cal en es, whether bilaterally or through
mul lateral pla orms.
 It states that "domes c considera ons, the policies or behaviour of other states, or
plans to advance specific geopoli cal designs" can all influence a government's
foreign policy.

Foreign policy is a government’s strategy in dealing with other na ons. It is shaped by

various factors, including the country’s history, geography, economy, culture, and poli cal
system. Here are some of the basic determinants of foreign policy:

 Geography: A country’s loca on, size, and terrain can influence its foreign policy.
For example, a country with a long coastline may priori ze naval power, while a
landlocked country may focus on building strong alliances with neighboring
countries.
 History: A country’s past experiences with other na ons can shape its foreign
policy. For example, a country that has been invaded or colonized in the past may
be more wary of foreign powers.
 Economy: A country’s economic interests can influence its foreign policy. For
example, a country that relies heavily on exports may priori ze free trade
agreements with other countries.
 Culture: A country’s cultural values and beliefs can shape its foreign policy. For
example, a country that values human rights may priori ze promo ng democracy
and human rights abroad.
 Domes c poli cs: A country’s poli cal system and public opinion can influence its
foreign policy. For example, a democra c country may priori ze human rights and
democracy promo on, while an authoritarian country may priori ze stability and
security.
 Military: A country’s military capabili es can influence its foreign policy. For
example, a country with a strong military may be more willing to use force to
achieve its foreign policy goals.
Indian Foreign Policy: Main Objec ves
 To safeguard India against both tradi onal and non-tradi onal threats.
 To create an external environment that is conducive to India's inclusive
development, so that the country's growth benefits can reach the poorest of the
poor.
 To ensure that India's voice is heard in interna onal forums and that India has the
ability to influence world opinion on global issues like terrorism, climate change,
disarmament, and reforms of global governance ins tu ons.
 To reach out to and protect the Indian diaspora.
 India’s foreign policy is guided by several principles, including mutual respect for
each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, mutual
non-interference, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence.
 The determinants of India’s foreign policy include its history, culture, geography,
economy, domes c poli cs, and military capabili es.

Defence Policy
India’s defence policy is aimed at safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial
integrity, and ensuring its security against both tradi onal and non-tradi onal threats.
India’s defence policy is guided by several principles, including non-alignment, self-
reliance, and strategic autonomy. India’s defence policy is shaped by various factors,
including its history, culture, geography, and economy.

Nuclear Policy
India’s nuclear policy is centered around the “No First Use” policy and “Credible Minimum
Deterrence” (CMD). The “No First Use” policy means that India will not be the first to use
nuclear weapons in a conflict, but reserves the right to use them in response to a nuclear
a ack. The CMD policy means that India’s nuclear arsenal is designed to deter nuclear
threats and a acks, and is kept at a minimum level to ensure survivability and credibility.
Indian rela ons with Pakistan
India and Pakistan have a complex and largely hos le rela onship that is rooted in a
mul tude of historical and poli cal events, most notably the par on of Bri sh India in
August 1947.

 The India–Pakistan border is one of the most militarized interna onal boundaries
in the world.
 Since 1947, India and Pakistan have fought three major wars and one undeclared
war, and have also engaged in numerous armed skirmishes and military standoffs;
the Kashmir conflict has served as the catalyst for every war between the two
states, with the excep on of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, which instead
occurred alongside the Bangladesh Libera on War.
 There have been numerous a empts to improve the rela onship, notably the
Shimla summit, the Agra summit, and the Lahore summit, as well as various peace
and co-opera on ini a ves.
 Despite those efforts, rela ons between the countries have remained frigid,
following repeated acts of cross-border terrorism.

Indian rela ons with China

India and China have had a complex rela onship over the years.

 The two countries have historically maintained peaceful rela ons for thousands of
years of recorded history, but the harmony of their rela onship has varied in
modern mes.
 The two na ons have sought economic coopera on with each other, while
frequent border disputes and economic na onalism in both countries are major
points of conten on.
 Between 2008 and 2021, China has been India’s largest trading partner, and the
two countries have also extended their strategic and military rela ons.
 However, conflict of interest leads to hos lity. India has a large trade deficit that is
favored towards China.
 The two countries failed to resolve their border dispute and Indian media outlets
have repeatedly reported Chinese military incursions into Indian territory.
India rela on with Bangladesh
India and Bangladesh share a complex rela onship that has evolved over the years.

 The two countries share a common history, culture, and language, which has
helped to foster close es between them.
 Diploma c rela ons between the two countries formally began in 1971 with India’s
recogni on of an independent Bangladesh (which was formerly known as East
Pakistan).
 Although some disputes remain unresolved, the rela ons between the two
countries have been characterized as friendly.
 India and Bangladesh have a strong economic rela onship, with Bangladesh being
India’s largest trading partner in South Asia.
 The two countries have also worked together on various infrastructure projects,
such as the construc on of the Akhaura-Agartala rail link and the Maitri Setu
bridge.

India rela on with Nepal

India and Nepal share a unique rela onship characterized by an open border and deep-
rooted people-to-people contacts of kinship and culture.

 The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 forms the bedrock of the
special rela ons that exist between India and Nepal.
 The two countries have a long tradi on of free movement of people across the
border, and Nepalese ci zens avail facili es and opportuni es on par with Indian
ci zens in accordance with the provisions of the Treaty.
 Nearly 8 million Nepalese ci zens live and work in India.
 There are regular exchanges of high-level visits and interac ons between India and
Nepal.
 The two countries have several bilateral ins tu onal dialogue mechanisms,
including the India-Nepal Joint Commission co-chaired by External Affairs Minister
of India and Foreign Minister of Nepal.
India rela on with Sri Lanka
India and Sri Lanka share a long-standing rela onship that is characterized by intellectual,
cultural, religious and linguis c interac on.

 The rela onship between the two countries is more than 2,500 years old.
 India has emerged as the foremost partner for Sri Lanka in the endeavor to
revitalize its economy, reform its bureaucracy, and enhance decision-making
processes for future economic collabora ons.
 The two countries have reached an agreement to strengthen their economic and
energy es, signaling a new phase of coopera on and mutual benefits.
 India and Sri Lanka share a mari me border.
 India is the only neighbor of Sri Lanka, separated by the Palk Strait; both states
occupy a strategic posi on in South Asia and have sought to build a common
security umbrella in the Indian Ocean.

India rela on with USA

India and the United States have a long-standing rela onship that dates back to India’s
independence movement and has con nued well a er independence from the United
Kingdom in 1947.

 Currently, India and the United States enjoy close rela ons and have deepened
collabora on on issues such as counterterrorism and countering Chinese influence
in the Indo-Pacific.
 The U.S.-India strategic partnership is founded on shared values including a
commitment to democracy and upholding the rules-based interna onal system.
 The United States and India have shared interests in promo ng global security,
stability, and economic prosperity through trade, investment, and connec vity.
 India and the United States have also stepped up their coopera on among
mul lateral groups such as The Quad and I2U2 Group.
India rela on with Russia
India and Russia have a long-standing rela onship that dates back to India’s independence
movement and has con nued well a er independence from the United Kingdom in 1947.

 The two countries share a special and privileged strategic partnership.

 The rela onship between the two countries is based on shared values including a
commitment to democracy and upholding the rules-based interna onal system.
 The India-Russia strategic partnership is built on five major components: poli cs,
defence, civil nuclear energy, an -terrorism co-opera on, as well as the
advancement of and explora on of outer space travel.
 The two countries have several bilateral ins tu onal dialogue mechanisms,
including the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission (IRIGC).
 India and Russia have a strong economic rela onship, with Russia being India’s
largest supplier of defence equipment.
 India and Russia have also extended their strategic and military rela ons.

India and Russia Bilateral Rela ons

 The Indo-Russian strategic partnership has been built on six major components:
poli cs, defence, trade, civil nuclear energy, an -terrorism coopera on and space.
 During the Cold War, India and the Soviet Union had a strong strategic, military,
economic and diploma c rela onship. A er the Dissolu on of the Soviet Union,
Russia inherited its close rela onship with India which resulted in both na ons
sharing a Special Strategic Rela on.
 The Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission (IRIGC) is the main body that
conducts affairs at the governmental level between both countries.
 The two countries are members of various Interna onal Organisa ons and
connec vity projects. This includes:
 BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)
 Shanghai Coopera on Organisa on (SCO)
 Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
 United Na ons Security Council (UNSC)
 India is the second-largest market for the Russian defence industry. In 2017,
approximately 68% of the Indian Military’s hardware import came from Russia,
making Russia the chief supplier of defence equipment.
 Indian Defence minister visited Russia to commemorate World War II Victory Day in
2020.
Security problems of India
“Security is an integrated, sustainable, comprehensive protec on from fear, conflict,
ignorance, poverty, social and cultural depriva on, and hunger, res ng upon posi ve and
nega ve freedoms.”
A ributes of Internal Security:

 Secure territorial integrity and protect internal sovereignty

 Maintain domes c peace
 Prevalence of law and order
 The rule of law and equality before the law—the law of the land, should protect
everyone irrespec ve of status
 The absence of fear implies individual freedom for people as guaranteed by the
Cons tu on
 Peaceful co-existence and communal harmony.
India faces a number of internal and external security challenges. Some of the internal
security challenges include terrorism, insurgency, naxalism, communal violence,
cybersecurity threats, and organized crime. India’s external security challenges include
border disputes with neighboring countries, terrorism emana ng from across the border,
and mari me security in the Indian Ocean region.
India’s internal security environment is highly complex and challenging, and is impacted by
both external and domes c factors. India’s external security environment is shaped by its
geopoli cal loca on, its rela ons with neighboring countries, and its strategic interests in
the Indian Ocean region.

Internal Security Problems of India

India faces a number of internal security challenges. Some of the internal security
challenges include terrorism, insurgency, naxalism, communal violence, cybersecurity
threats, and organized crime.

 Terrorism: The country has been the target of numerous terrorist a acks, including
the 2008 Mumbai a acks, the 2016 Pathankot a ack, and the 2019 Pulwama
a ack.
 Insurgency: The country has faced several insurgencies, including the insurgency in
Jammu and Kashmir, the Naga insurgency, and the insurgency in the Northeastern
states.
 Naxalism is a Maoist insurgency that is ac ve in several states of India, including
Chha sgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
 Communal violence: The country has experienced several incidents of communal
violence, including the 1984 an -Sikh riots, the 1992 Babri Masjid demoli on, and
the 2002 Gujarat riots.
  Cybersecurity threats: The country has been the target of several cybera acks,
including the 2016 cybera ack on the Indian banking system.
 Organized crime: The country has several organized crime syndicates, including the
Mumbai underworld and the D-Company.

External Security Problems of India

India faces a number of external security challenges that demand constant vigilance and
coordinated efforts 1. Some of the external security challenges include:

 Border disputes: India has several border disputes with neighboring countries,
including China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
 Terrorism: India has been the target of numerous terrorist a acks, including those
perpetrated by groups based in Pakistan.
 Mari me security: India has strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region and faces
several mari me security challenges, including piracy, smuggling, and illegal
fishing.
 Cybersecurity threats: India has been the target of several cybera acks, including
those origina ng from China and Pakistan.
 Energy security: India is heavily dependent on imported energy resources, which
makes it vulnerable to supply disrup ons and price fluctua ons.
India’s external security environment is shaped by its geopoli cal loca on, its rela ons
with neighboring countries, and its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region.

Security problems in J & K

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has been facing several security challenges for decades. Some
of the security problems in J&K include terrorism, insurgency, cross-border infiltra on, and
communal violence.

 Terrorism: The region has been the target of numerous terrorist a acks, including
the 2019 Pulwama a ack and the 2016 Uri a ack.
 Insurgency: The region has faced several insurgencies, including the insurgency in
Jammu and Kashmir, the Naga insurgency, and the insurgency in the Northeastern
states.
 Cross-border infiltra on: The region shares a border with Pakistan, and there have
been several instances of militants infiltra ng into J&K from across the border.
 Communal violence: The region has experienced several incidents of communal
violence, including the 2013 Kishtwar riots and the 2008 Amarnath land transfer
controversy.
Security problems in North Eastern Region
 The North Eastern Region of India has been facing several security challenges for
decades. Some of the security problems in the region include terrorism, insurgency,
cross-border infiltra on, and communal violence.
 The terrain, the state of socio-economic development, and historical factors such as
language/ethnicity, tribal rivalry, migra on, control over local resources, and a
widespread feeling of exploita on and aliena on have resulted in a fragile security
situa on in the North Eastern States.
 The interna onal borders in the North East are extremely porous, which makes
cross-border infiltra on of militants and smuggling of arms rampant in the region.

Insurgency and Counterinsurgency

Insurgency is a form of poli cal violence that seeks to overthrow an exis ng government
or poli cal system. Insurgents o en use guerrilla tac cs, such as ambushes, sabotage, and
hit-and-run a acks, to undermine the government’s authority and legi macy.
Counterinsurgency refers to the military, poli cal, and economic measures taken by a
government to defeat an insurgency. Counterinsurgency opera ons are aimed at winning
the support of the popula on, isola ng the insurgents, and elimina ng their ability to
operate.

Defence Policy of India since Independence

 India’s defence policy is aimed at safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and
territorial integrity, and ensuring its security against both tradi onal and non-
tradi onal threats.
 India’s defence policy is guided by several principles, including non-alignment, self-
reliance, and strategic autonomy.
 India’s defence policy is shaped by various factors, including its history, culture,
geography, and economy.

Nuclear Policy of India since Independence

 India’s nuclear policy is centered around the “No First Use” policy and “Credible
Minimum Deterrence” (CMD).
 The “No First Use” policy means that India will not be the first to use nuclear
weapons in a conflict, but reserves the right to use them in response to a nuclear
a ack.
 The CMD policy means that India’s nuclear arsenal is designed to deter nuclear
threats and a acks, and is kept at a minimum level to ensure survivability and
credibility.
India’s strategic doctrine
 India’s strategic doctrine is based on the principles of minimum credible
deterrence, no first use, and non-use against non-nuclear-weapon states.
 India’s strategic doctrine emphasizes the need for a strong conven onal defence
capability, as well as a credible nuclear deterrent.
 India’s strategic doctrine is shaped by various factors, including its geopoli cal
loca on, its rela ons with neighboring countries, and its strategic interests in the
Indian Ocean region.

Indian Ocean & India’s Na onal Security

 The Indian Ocean region is of strategic importance to India’s na onal security,
given its geopoli cal loca on and its strategic interests in the region.
 India has been taking several steps to strengthen its mari me security in the Indian
Ocean region, including building its naval assets and mari me surveillance
capabili es to counter the growing threat of China in the region.
 India is the dominant player in the Indian Ocean, but its capaci es are s ll limited.
India’s strategic doctrine is based on the principles of minimum credible deterrence, no
first use, and non-use against non-nuclear-weapon states.
India’s strategic doctrine emphasizes the need for a strong conven onal defence
capability, as well as a credible nuclear deterrent.

Defence Produc on and Defence Poten al of India

 India’s defence produc on and poten al have been growing steadily over the
years. The Indian government has set the defence produc on target at USD 25
billion by 2025 (including USD 5 billion from exports by 2025).
 The Department of Defense Produc on (DDP) has established wide-ranging
produc on facili es to produce various defence equipment through Defense Public
Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and Ordnance Factories.
 According to government data, India has around 194 defence start-ups building
innova ve tech solu ons.
 The government has set a target of Rs 1.75 lakh crore of defence produc on by
2025, which includes export of Rs 35,000 crore.
 The Budget outlay for FY23 has been fixed at Rs 5.3 trillion, a 10 percent increase
over last year.
Defence Trade and Strategy of Arms Aid.
The defence trade and strategy of arms aid is a complex topic that involves several factors,
including government-to-government arms transfers, commercial export licensing of U.S.-
origin defense equipment and technologies, and global arms trade.

 The United States commands by far the largest share of the arms market, with
more than 40% of the global arms trade just in the last year alone.
 India’s defence produc on and poten al have been growing steadily over the
years, with the Indian government se ng the defence produc on target at USD 25
billion by 2025 (including USD 5 billion from exports by 2025).
 India has around 194 defence start-ups building innova ve tech solu ons.
 The government has set a target of Rs 1.75 lakh crore of defence produc on by
Economic Mobilisa on during War and peace2025, which includes export of Rs
35,000 crore.

Economic Mobilisa on during War and Peace

Economic mobiliza on is the process of realloca ng resources from peace me uses to
war me uses.

 During war, countries o en need to mobilize their economies to support the war
effort. This can involve measures such as ra oning, price controls, and government
spending on defense produc on.
 In India, the government has set the defence produc on target at USD 25 billion by
2025 (including USD 5 billion from exports by 2025).
 The Department of Defense Produc on (DDP) has established wide-ranging
produc on facili es to produce various defence equipment through Defense Public
Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and Ordnance Factories.
 India has around 194 defence start-ups building innova ve tech solu ons.
 The government has set a target of Rs 1.75 lakh crore of defence produc on by
2025, which includes export of Rs 35,000 crore.