Security

The Security Division acts as an interface between NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs. The Security Division offers support and assistance to the line ministries involved in both internal and external security matters, fostering collaboration among the nation's security agencies. Its goal is to provide strategic, comments to assist these ministries achieve their long-term vision of being prepared to tackle all potential threats. The division's purpose is to encourage integrated thinking and ensure the coordination between departments and ministries to safeguard and advance national security objectives.

1. Viksit Bharat and National Security

As part of India’s vision of Viksit Bharat, national security will play a vital role in ensuring the country’s growth, prosperity, and global influence. A robust and technology centric approach to national security is essential to protect the interest of citizens, critical infrastructure, and economic health, while enabling digital inclusion with an enhanced trust and assurance in the digital ecosystem.

2. Public Private Partnerships in Defence

The Security Division at NITI Aayog actively promotes Public Private Partnerships (PPP) to enhance India’s security infrastructure and foster innovation in Defence and surveillance technologies. The Division actively supports the Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor and Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor, the Defence Corridors are key part of a broader strategy to enhance national security, promote self-reliance in defence manufacturing, and boost the local defence industry.

3. Cyber Preparedness

The Security Division plays a vital role in enhancing the nation’s cybersecurity landscape by providing a platform that fosters collaboration among government agencies, departments, industry, private enterprises, and academia. This platform facilitates discussions on cyber governance, policies, and the alignment of efforts to promote cybersecurity best practices. The focus of these discussions includes safeguarding critical infrastructure, securing digital assets, and protecting citizens from emerging cyber threats. To raise awareness on cybersecurity and cybercrime, the division partners with various councils, institutes, government bodies, and non-governmental organizations. It actively participates in and organizes talks, hackathons, and events in selected states and military schools.

4. Climate Change Adaptation in the Armed Forces

The integration of sustainability into defence operations is not just an environmental imperative but also a strategic necessity as India faces many climate-related challenges. Environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and national security are essential components for future practices in the Indian Armed Forces. The Division is also promoting E-Vehicles in the Cantonments.

5. Model Village along the borders

Villages along India’s borders are often untouched gems, rich in cultural heritage, unique cuisine, traditional lifestyles, wildlife, natural beauty, and rural charm. The division aims to focus on specific interventions in select border villages to create livelihood opportunities by promoting tourism, cultural heritage, skill development, and the establishment of cooperative societies. These efforts will also include enhancing connectivity by providing road access to previously unconnected villages, improving housing and village infrastructure, and promoting energy solutions, including renewable energy. The initiative seeks to establish a model village that will drive economic vibrancy and sustainable growth in the region.

6. Policy Analysis

The Security Division at NITI Aayog plays a pivotal role in strengthening India's national security framework by engaging with key line ministries. The Division is actively involved in promoting self-reliance in the defence sector and advancing Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in defence-related initiatives. Additionally, it provides strategic support to the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP), aimed at fostering development in border regions. The division is also active in supporting the awareness drive with respect to cyber security, cyber crime and basics of cyber space. The division appraises Detailed Project Reports (DPR), Preliminary Project Report (PPR) and Direct Investment Board (DIB) related to line ministries and the proposals from States and UTs. The Division also collaborated with Agriculture Division for Deep Sea Fishing Policy, and gave inputs regarding Security concerns and the Global practices in the Fishing Sector.

7. State Initiatives

• Regular Monitoring and Collaboration with respect to State Support Mission, NITI For States, Aspirational District Programme and Aspiration Block Programme.
• Establishment of SIT (State Institution for Transformation) in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Ladakh and Lakshadweep.
• Innovation & Start up Ecosystem in North East as a part of SIT Sikkim
• Cyber Awareness Hackathon in collaboration with National Cyber Security Research Council (NCSRC).

8. Collaborations

• The division works in close collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) authorities. It is also a member of the Expert Committee to develop a Monitoring Framework for Urban Flood Risk Management Programme (UFRMP) under National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF).
• The Division is also a key partner for Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) with Disaster Management Division, Ministry of Home Affairs. The focus of this committee is on Flood Risk and Disaster Resolution Planning.
• The Division also focuses on Defence Self-reliance in conjunction with the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).
• The Security Division also collaborates with Frontier Tech Hubs (FTH) to address emerging security challenges posed by advanced technologies like quantum computing, AI, and cybersecurity innovations.
• The division is collaborating with Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) for various initiatives like Police Modernisation and Predictive Policing.
• The Security Division is collaborating with National Maritime Foundation (NMF) for research study in Infrastructure modernization for Ports.
• The division works with NSCS, National Maritime Security Council (NMSC) and National Cyber Security Coordinator (NCSC) in the matter pertaining to maritime and cyber security.
• Part of Steering Committee in Defence Corridors

Permanent attendee in the Zonal Council Meeting and North East Plenary Meetings.

1. Incorporating the principles of KAIZEN in the Defence establishments and in Aspirational Blocks / District as a pilot project.
2. Tourism Circuit in Arunachal Pradesh
3. Model Village in Arunachal Pradesh
4. Securing the Future: Cyber Governance and Policies
5. Strengthening Sustainability Initiatives of Indian Armed Forces
6. Towards Viksit Bharat@2047: Strengthening Economy, National Security, Global Partnerships, and Law