Office and the man

The position of the national security advisor NSA, now vacant after the passing away of J.N. Dixit, cannot be treated as another routine government appointment. Arguably, no other office has such a vital role in ensuring that India8217;s security imperatives are well served. But, equally importantly, the holder of this office must possess an extraordinary combination of skills to be able to discharge its duties.

The NSA has to outline a compelling strategic and security vision for the country. This requires extraordinary experience and imagination. The NSA also has to ensure continuity in India8217;s policy-making and prevent it from becoming hostage to passing fancies. Second, this office must have the ability to coordinate all the disparate elements that make up our security establishment: security forces, intelligence agencies, the different ministries involved in security and the prime minister8217;s office. The NSA has to be able to make all these elements march to the same tune, despite the turf rivalries, personality clashes and differences of opinion that will inevitably be part of a complex security establishment. This task requires immense political finesse. And it is made more difficult by the peculiar position this office occupies. The NSA does not have the benefit of being an entrenched office like the civil service or armed forces. Nor does it carry a legislative imprimatur. Any authority it exerts comes in part from the skill with which the incumbent uses its powers. Third, India8217;s security environment will often require the government to respond instantly to crisis. One of the lessons we have learnt from crises as diverse as Kargil and Kandahar, is that the Government of India8217;s reaction times are slower than can be justified. In cases of national emergency, a few hours can make the difference between success and failure. The NSA must have the capacity to act quickly and decisively. This office requires thinking but not endless rumination. And, finally, the NSA has to enjoy the complete confidence of the prime minister and must carry credibility with the public as an impartial judge of India8217;s vital interests. It must be able to mobilise the best available knowledge and put it in the service of the PM. There can be few offices that carry such a burden of responsibility.

It is imperative that in choosing a successor to Dixit, the government keep the larger mission of this office in mind. It should also use this opportunity to strengthen the decision-making structure so that it is in keeping with India8217;s security needs. For, in the final analysis, the NSA is a defining test of whether India has the ability to act like the great power it aspires to be.