. 21/10/2024 12:02 PM
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has recently prioritized 17 subjects for review, with a significant focus on assessing India's preparedness for hybrid warfare, including non-kinetic threats. This decision follows the recommendation of Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, who emphasized the need to address emerging threats in modern warfare.
Non-kinetic warfare refers to strategies and tactics that do not rely on traditional military combat or physical destruction. Instead, it involves methods such as cyberattacks, electronic warfare, psychological operations, information manipulation, economic sanctions, and other techniques aimed at disrupting an adversary's infrastructure, economy, or morale. It often includes non-military actors and targets critical infrastructure such as power grids, communication networks, and financial systems.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict
The Russia-Ukraine war has seen extensive use of cyberattacks targeting Ukraine's infrastructure, including power grids, communication networks, and government websites. Additionally, disinformation campaigns have been employed to destabilize the country.
Israel-Hamas Conflict
Both parties have utilized non-kinetic tactics like information warfare and cyberattacks. Israel has reportedly used cyber measures to block Hamas's communication channels, while Hamas has engaged in propaganda and social media efforts to influence public opinion.
U.S. Election Interference (2016)
The U.S. accused Russia of meddling in the 2016 presidential election by using disinformation, hacking political entities, and manipulating social media to influence public perception and destabilize democratic processes.
Chinese Cyberattacks on the U.S.
China has been accused of conducting cyber espionage against the U.S., targeting government agencies, corporations, and defense contractors. These cyberattacks aim to steal sensitive information, including military technology and intellectual property.
Pager Blasts in Lebanon
A localized form of non-kinetic warfare, pager blasts in Lebanon disrupted communication networks without conventional military force, illustrating another facet of hybrid warfare.
Kinetic warfare involves the use of physical force, including weapons, troops, and military machinery, to achieve objectives through direct combat. In contrast, non-kinetic warfare focuses on disabling or weakening an enemy through non-violent means, such as cyber or information attacks. While kinetic actions result in visible physical destruction, non-kinetic strategies aim for long-term disruption without leaving obvious damage.
Cybersecurity Risks: Cyberattacks can paralyze national infrastructure, including power grids, financial systems, and transportation networks.
Information Warfare: Manipulating public opinion through misinformation and propaganda can undermine societal stability.
Economic Warfare: Sanctions or economic measures can severely affect a nation without direct military confrontation.
Technology Dependence: As digital interconnectivity grows, vulnerability to non-kinetic attacks increases.
Detection and Response: Non-kinetic threats are often difficult to detect and defend against, requiring advanced cybersecurity and surveillance measures.
The Standing Committee on Defence is constituted under Rule 331 C of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha. It has the Ministry of Defence under its jurisdiction.
The Committee consists of 31 members—21 from the Lok Sabha, nominated by the Speaker, and 10 from the Rajya Sabha, nominated by the Chairman. The Chairperson is selected from among the Lok Sabha members. The term of office does not exceed one year.
Reviewing the Ministry of Defence's budget allocations and presenting reports to Parliament.
Examining Bills related to the Ministry of Defence as referred by the Speaker or the Chairman.
Assessing the Annual Report of the Ministry of Defence.
Considering long-term defense policy documents referred by parliamentary leaders.
India is prioritizing its readiness for non-kinetic warfare by implementing measures such as parliamentary reviews, bolstering cybersecurity, and modernizing defense capabilities. The Standing Committee on Defence is focusing on areas like cyber defense, anti-drone technologies, and the integration of advanced systems to combat evolving threats.
Q1. What is non-kinetic warfare, and why is it important?
Non-kinetic warfare utilizes non-military tactics like cyberattacks, economic sanctions, and information manipulation to disrupt adversaries without physical conflict. It is crucial due to technological advancements, making these methods more effective and potentially more damaging than traditional warfare.
Q2. How is India preparing for non-kinetic warfare?
India is addressing non-kinetic threats through parliamentary reviews, modernizing defense strategies, enhancing cybersecurity, and exploring advanced technologies like anti-drone measures to prepare for future conflicts.
