India's National Security Architecture
NSC, NSA, and NSCS
India's national security management system is a three-tier structure that operates without a standalone legislative framework — a gap highlighted repeatedly by former officials.
- National Security Council (NSC): The apex decision-making body on national security; chaired by the Prime Minister; members include the Deputy PM (when present), Home Minister, Defence Minister, External Affairs Minister, Finance Minister, and the National Security Adviser (NSA).
- Strategic Policy Group (SPG): Second tier; chaired by Cabinet Secretary; comprises service chiefs, heads of intelligence agencies, and senior secretaries — provides inputs to NSC.
- National Security Advisory Board (NSAB): Third tier; non-governmental experts providing strategic analysis and recommendations.
- National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS): Permanent bureaucratic secretariat supporting the NSC; has four verticals: Strategic Planning, Internal Affairs, Intelligence, and Technology, plus a Military vertical; revamped in July 2024 with an Additional NSA appointed.
- Key gap: None of these bodies are established by statute — they rest on executive orders and resolutions, making them vulnerable to institutional discontinuity.
● Tracked since March 11, 2026 · last seen May 23, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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