National Security Advisory Board (NSAB).

Why in News ?  The Union government has revamped the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). Alok Joshi, a former Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), has been appointed as the head of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB). Six more members have also been inducted into the board.

Relevance : Prelims

Prelims– National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)/ National Security Council (NSC) About the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB):

• NSAB is a key advisory body under the purview of India’s National Security Council (NSC). Established in 1998, the NSAB provides expert advice and policy recommendations on issues concerning national security, strategic interests, and foreign policy.

Key Features:

Composition:

• The NSAB consists of members drawn from a wide range of fields, including retired government officials, military personnel, diplomats, academics, and experts in economics, science, and technology.
• Members are appointed for a fixed tenure, typically one to two years.

Role and Functions:

• Advises the National Security Advisor (NSA) and the NSC on long-term strategic security matters.
• Focuses on areas such as defense planning, cybersecurity, energy security, and internal security.
• Assists in crafting India’s strategic policies, including nuclear doctrine and counter-terrorism measures.

Significance:

1. • Provides a multi-disciplinary approach to security challenges.
   • Plays a critical role in formulating India’s responses to emerging global and regional threats.
   • Facilitates informed decision-making by incorporating insights from non-governmental experts.

Recent Activities:

1. • Contributed to the formulation of policies on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing for defense applications.
   • Provided strategic inputs on India’s response to geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

About the National Security Council (NSC):

It is India’s apex body responsible for advising the Prime Minister on matters related to national security, strategic interests, and foreign policy. Established in 1998, the NSC plays a pivotal role in coordinating and streamlining India’s security apparatus across various domains.

Key Features of the NSC:

Composition:

• The NSC is headed by the Prime Minister.
• The National Security Advisor (NSA) acts as the principal advisor to the NSC and coordinates its functioning.

Other key members include:

• Ministers of Home Affairs, Defence, External Affairs, and Finance.
• Key bureaucratic heads like the Cabinet Secretary and heads of intelligence agencies (IB and RAW).
• Chiefs of the armed forces as required.

Core Components:

Strategic Policy Group (SPG): Comprises senior bureaucrats, intelligence chiefs, and military officials to provide inputs on security issues.

National Security Advisory Board (NSAB): A group of experts from various fields providing policy recommendations.

Secretariat: Operates under the NSA and assists in implementing NSC decisions.

Functions:

1. • Formulates policies and strategies on defense, internal security, nuclear doctrine, and cyber security.
   • Assesses and addresses threats posed by terrorism, border disputes, and geopolitical developments.
   • Coordinates intelligence gathering and analysis across various agencies.
   • Advises on the management of natural and man-made disasters impacting national security.