National Interest and National Security Policy-Making: Prism for India

The problems of national security for a country like India which has experienced a series of catastrophes from within and a continuing threat from without has to be formulated in terms of larger goals and aspirations to which this civilisational community has committed itself. National security strategy is an integral part of a nation state's quest to safeguard her its national interest. National interest involves the securitisation of a nation's security from external and internal threats by synergising with foreign policy making to ensure that diplomacy to play a complementary as well as supporting role to meet the goals and objectives of national interest. Therefore, we have to consider a complex interaction between our perception of our neighbours beyond the borders as well as the larger major powers and their perceptions and an assessment of our situation and our objectives. It is within this matrix of relationship that specific goals of India's defence and security policy will get structured. On the other hand, the cultural and political aspects of the problems create a texture of tasks and priorities of decision-making, implying the process of institutionalisation ranging from the economic to the administrative and legal preconditions. Therefore, various forms of leadership may be required to respond creatively to the complexities of the problem. This research endeavour is aimed at clarifying the normative and contextual aspects of India's national interest and national security strategy.