Globalisation and India’s enhanced status will require a more active participation in international security issues. Have we developed the necessary strategic culture and political will to do this? Traditionally,

India has seldom been demanding on strategic matters. It has been reluctant about using its hard power even when critical national security interests were threatened. One reason for this is the lack of political consensus.

While we discuss the 123 or other agreements, it must be realised that a nation’s strategic culture and political will to make effective use of its soft and hard power potential is an essential requirement for their implementation in national security interests. Also, while it is necessary to discuss national security concerns in politics; playing politics with national security can be harmful.

The writer is former chief of army staff and president, ORF Institute of Security Studies, New Delhi