RSIS Monograph No. 27

This monograph explores the structures and processes involved in India’s national security decision-making on Afghanistan, China, counter-terrorism architecture, and left-wing extremism. While providing a historical backdrop, each case looks primarily at contemporary decision-making. Rather than confining itself to a narrow ‘realist’ definition of national security, the study adheres to a broader canvas embracing trade and other systemic aspects of security. Using available open sources as well as interviews, the author argues that national security decision-making in India has become complex owing to changes at both domestic and systemic levels and to the emergence of new actors. The lack of a doctrine on national security and necessary structures has led to ‘reactive and ad hoc’ national security decisions. The author concludes that the chief challenges to India’s decision-making apparatus are internal rather than external and suggests appropriate reforms.