Reconceptualizing India’s Security - National, Transnational, and Maritime Dimensions in the 21st Century

Abstract

This Paper examines the evolution of India's security framework in the 21st century, highlighting its transition from a traditional, land-based, military-centric model to a comprehensive approach that encompasses national, transnational, and maritime security. Originally shaped by partition, regional conflicts, and territorial disagreements with Pakistan and China, India's security focus was mainly state-centric. However, globalisation, technological advances, and emerging threats have expanded these perspectives, prompting India to rethink security beyond mere territorial defence. During the early nation-building phase, threats primarily came from Pakistan and China from a national security perspective. Later, India faces interconnected transnational threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, illicit trafficking, climate change, and regional instability. Its strategic responses include increased multilateral cooperation, intelligence sharing, and flexible security partnerships with like-minded nations. Maritime security became a key aspect after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, due to India's long coastline, reliance on sea lines of communication, and growing geopolitical competition in the Indian Ocean region. Therefore, this research paper aims to explore how India's security architecture has evolved and been redefined from a primarily national focus to a broader transnational and maritime perspective. It investigates the factors shaping India's strategic development and concludes by offering a nuanced understanding of how India navigates the complex security landscape of the 21st century.