National Security Strategies Conference 2026 (Current Events)
National Security Strategies Conference 2026 (Current Events)
Why In News:
The 9th National Security Strategies Conference 2026 was inaugurated in New Delhi, addressing India's evolving internal and external security challenges.
About the Conference
Held on August 24–25, 2026, in a hybrid format combining physical and virtual participation.
Participants: Over 850 security officials, including state DGPs, heads of CAPFs/CPOs, and young cutting-edge police officers.
Inauguration: Commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony by Amit Shah at the Martyrs' Column for Intelligence Bureau personnel.
The conference focused on evolving security threats such as terrorism, organised crime, cyber threats and other non-traditional security challenges.
It highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity, technology-enabled threats, hybrid warfare, drone warfare and disinformation in national security planning.
Greater intelligence sharing and inter-agency coordination were emphasised to create a more integrated response to emerging threats.
Key Institutions in India’s Security Architecture
1. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
The MHA is the nodal ministry for internal security, policing, border management and coordination among Central Armed Police Forces.
Different border guarding forces operate under distinct mandates, including BSF on the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders, ITBP along the China border, SSB along the Nepal and Bhutan borders, and Assam Rifles along the Myanmar border.
2. National Security Council (NSC)
The National Security Council is the apex advisory body for India's political, economic, energy and strategic security concerns.
It is headed by the Prime Minister, while the National Security Advisor (NSA) serves as its principal strategic adviser and plays a key role in coordinating security-related matters.
3. Multi-Agency Centre (MAC)
The Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) functions under the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to facilitate real-time intelligence sharing and coordination among various security and intelligence agencies.
It is particularly important for strengthening India's response to terrorism and other intelligence-driven security threats.
Key Facts for Prelims
NIA: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is India's central counter-terrorism investigation agency, established under the NIA Act, 2008, with jurisdiction over offences having national and international security implications.
CERT-In: The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and is the national agency for responding to cybersecurity incidents.
FIU-IND: The Financial Intelligence Unit–India, under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, receives and analyses financial information related to suspicious transactions and money laundering.