UPSC Mains 2023 · GS III · Q19 · 15 marks · 250 words

What are the internal security challenges being faced by India? Give out the role of Central Intelligence and Investigative Agencies tasked to counter such threats.

हिन्दी में

भारत द्वारा सामना की जाने वाली आंतरिक सुरक्षा चुनौतियाँ क्या हैं? ऐसे खतरों का मुकाबला करने के लिए नियुक्त केन्द्रीय खुफिया और जाँच एजेंसियों की भूमिका बताइए।

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also, discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats.”

Ritika ChitlangiaAIR 55 · CSE 2024 · 261 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a definition

External state actors refer to sovereign agents, while non-state actors refer to foreign non-sovereign authorities, having a deep influence on internal security of India.

Body · points

Challenges posed by External states

  1. state-sponsored terrorism → funding to non-state actors to fight proxy wars. Eg: Pulwama attack 2020.
  2. Bilateral adversaries and military clashes → Eg: growing role of china to influence LWE groups along the Red corridor of India.
  3. Ideological terrorism and support by sovereign nations. Eg: Canada's response to khalistani movement against India.
  4. domestic unrest → the policy support is influenced by external states → chances of instability and unrest. Eg: LTTE's radicalisation of Tamil youth.

Challenges posed by Non-state Actors

  1. Terrorism → JeM, Lashkar-e-toiba, ISIS, Boko Haram, Houthi's etc. → frequent terror attacks against India.
  2. Drug Nexus → India wedged between Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle → most drug cartels run by non-state actors.
  3. Lack of accountability and hidden warfare → using drones, social media etc. → difficult to identify and combat.
  4. Money laundering and black marketing → threatens to de-stabilise the economy.

Measures to combat Multi-dimensional challenges

  1. Global concensus and cooperation to eliminate terrorism, terror funding etc. Eg: No money for terror conference (Delhi 2022).
  2. Information sharing → Eg: using INTERPOL, mutual legal assistance treaty.
  3. Technological sharing by developed countries. Eg; India- USA defence agreements like COMCASA, BECA etc.
  4. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. Eg: reviving of panchsheel diplomacy.
  5. Stronger border security infrastructure and digital preparedness.

Close · a summary

Therefore, the combination of challenges require cross-sector, global coordination.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2023, General Studies Paper III, Q19. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.