UPSC Mapping

Prelims	Internal Security	Mains	GS Paper 3 (Internal Security)
Edition	9th (since 2021)	Focus	Hybrid threats, AI, cyber, drones

Article

The 9th National Security Strategies Conference (NSSC) was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on August 24, 2026, in New Delhi. The two-day conference brought together top security officials to deliberate on emerging internal security challenges, including counter-terrorism, infiltration, cybercrime, narcotics control, and the use of artificial intelligence in intelligence analysis. The conference underscores the evolving security environment where threats are increasingly transnational and technological, a key theme for internal security current affairs.

What is the National Security Strategies Conference?

The National Security Strategies Conference is an annual high-level forum established in 2021 to review and strengthen India’s internal security framework. It brings together representatives from central and state police forces, intelligence agencies, the armed forces, and other stakeholders to discuss emerging threats and devise coordinated responses. The conference is hosted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and serves as a platform for policy formulation and inter-agency synergy.

This year’s conference comes at a time when security threats have become more complex, with the convergence of physical and virtual domains. Issues like drone attacks, cyber espionage, and online radicalisation require a holistic approach. The conference aims to enhance India’s preparedness through better intelligence sharing, technology adoption, and community engagement.

Why is the National Security Strategies Conference in News?

The National Security Strategies Conference is in the news because of the wide-ranging topics discussed and the strong directives issued by Home Minister Amit Shah. On the first day, discussions covered counter-terrorism challenges, analysis and operationalisation of intelligence through the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC), a vision document on narcotics control, detection and deportation of illegal migrants, a policy framework to combat cyber crime, and proxy warfare by Pakistan. Shah emphasised the need for AI-based analysis of MAC data to create standard operating procedures.

The second day is set to focus on threats from sub-aerial systems (drones), securing the blue economy, information warfare, and the need for a biosecurity framework. The conference also highlighted the changing nature of security, where internal and external boundaries are blurring. For official details, refer to the PIB release on the conference.

Key Focus Areas of the Conference

• Counter-Terrorism: Training under MHA’s PRAHAAR scheme, expediting trials using fugitive and trial-in-absentia provisions, and adopting integrated UAPA investigations.
• Intelligence Fusion: Using AI for analysis of MAC platforms to generate actionable intelligence and standard operating procedures.
• Anti-Infiltration Measures: Strict measures against infiltration, especially along the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
• Cyber Crime and Narcotics: A comprehensive policy framework to tackle cybercrime and a vision document for narcotics control to disrupt the drug trade.
• Emerging Technologies: Addressing threats from drones, AI-driven disinformation, and information warfare, including securing critical information infrastructure and developing counter-drone capabilities.

Challenges in India’s Security Framework

• Institutional Silos: Lack of seamless intelligence sharing between agencies hampers effective response.
• Technology Gaps: Rapid adoption of AI and drones by adversaries outpaces India’s defensive capabilities.
• Radicalisation and Cyber Propaganda: Online platforms are used to spread extremist ideologies, making counter-narratives essential.
• Financing of Terrorism: Terrorist networks use cryptocurrencies and hawala, making tracking difficult.

Way Forward for National Security

The National Security Strategies Conference has outlined a clear path: strengthen intelligence fusion, build AI-enabled security systems with human oversight, enhance counter-drone capabilities, improve cyber resilience, and counter online radicalisation through community engagement and digital literacy. The conference also emphasised the need for democratic oversight and accountability in the use of surveillance technologies.

India must also focus on capacity building of security forces, especially in cyber warfare and drone defence. The integration of state police and central agencies through regular joint exercises and training is critical. As the security landscape evolves, a forward-looking approach that balances technology with human rights will be essential. According to an IDSA analysis, India’s national security strategy must be adaptive and inclusive.

Prelims Practice Corner

Question 1

Which ministry organises the National Security Strategies Conference?

• (a) Ministry of Defence
• (b) Ministry of Home Affairs
• (c) Ministry of External Affairs
• (d) Prime Minister’s Office

Answer: (b) Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Question 2

The Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) is used for what purpose?

• (a) Disaster management
• (b) Intelligence sharing
• (c) Economic planning
• (d) Health surveillance

Answer: (b) Intelligence sharing. MAC is a platform for real-time intelligence exchange.

Mains Practice Questions

Question 1

“The blurring of internal and external security threats necessitates a holistic and technologically advanced national security strategy.” Discuss in the context of the National Security Strategies Conference. (250 words, 15 marks)

Answer Structure:

• Intro: Introduce the NSSC and its role in shaping India’s security response.
• Body: Discuss hybrid threats (terrorism, cyber, drones), the need for intelligence fusion, AI adoption, and inter-agency coordination. Mention challenges like silos and technology gaps.
• Conclusion: Emphasise the importance of resilience, capacity building, and democratic oversight.

FAQs on National Security Strategies Conference

What is the purpose of the National Security Strategies Conference?

It serves as a high-level forum to review internal security challenges, foster inter-agency coordination, and formulate policies to counter emerging threats like terrorism, cybercrime, and drone warfare.

What is the PRAHAAR scheme mentioned in the conference?

PRAHAAR is an MHA initiative to provide specialised training to security personnel for effective counter-terrorism operations. The conference emphasised training under this scheme.

How is AI being used in national security?

AI is being used to analyse intelligence from various agencies, detect patterns in cybercrime, and predict emerging threats. The conference called for AI-based SOPs for the Multi-Agency Centre.