National security is a collective responsibility of citizens, not just the military: NSA Ajit Doval

New Delhi: “After a long time, we are seeing a new awakening in India” that national security is no longer the exclusive domain of uniformed personnel but the collective responsibility of every citizen, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said.“National security is the responsibility of the entire country and not just the armed forces, police or intelligence agencies. It is our collective strength. Our collective strength together strengthens the morale of the country,” he said while addressing students at the fifth rally of Presidency University (RRU) in Gandhinagar on Tuesday.“National security is a broad, complex and multifaceted phenomenon. It consists of numerous components: a country’s military strength, technological strength, natural resources, diplomatic strength and human capital,” Doval said. After receiving an honorary doctorate from President Durupadi Murmu, he said that the most common mistake in assessing comprehensive national strength is in assessing the willpower of a country and the inherent strength of its people.Citing global examples, the NSA said, “If Russia (the former Soviet Union) withdraws its troops from Afghanistan (1988-89), or the United States is forced to withdraw its troops from Vietnam (1970s), or the United States fails to achieve its goals in Afghanistan, it is not because of a lack of technology or military strength. Rather, the decisive factor is the spirit and commitment of the local people, what we call national willpower.”Doval emphasized that security is an area where outcomes are absolute. “There is no concept of silver medal in security; there is only victory or defeat. If you win, the country is safe; if you lose, existence itself is in danger,” he said, urging the graduates to remain fully committed to serving the nation with discipline, preparation and dedication.