Cyber safety, gender issues India's top security challenges: Menon

National Security Advisor Shivshankar Menon on Monday underscored the need for a fixed doctrine to address non-traditional threats and pushed for greater cooperation between New Delhi and Beijing.

Addressing The Growth Net 2014, Menon identified cyber issues and gender safety as India's top security challenges.

He said: "At present, nations are witnessing a changing security scenario that is complex, volatile and turbulent. On one hand, terrorism, extremism and fundamentalism have fuelled local and regional conflicts, while on the other, climate change and the advent of modern technologies are triggering destabilisation in global economies. Tackling these challenges requires concerted international cooperation and reshaping existing policies."

Reflecting on the changing dynamics of security, Menon said, "Non-traditional security threats, such as cyber issues, terrorism and extremism, and internal security are one of India's top challenges. Internal security also includes gender and personal security issues. Also, newer technologies have brought on newer risks for States."

"There are three ways to look at the security threats: Hedging, which is safe low risk strategy with low gains; surfing, which is riding the waves of change; and shaping the future, which involves greatest efforts with the highest risks and highest gains. In the Indian context, hedging is no longer safe because we lack capability in shaping our own environment," Menon added.

Pushing for greater bilateral strategic cooperation between New Delhi and Beijing, Menon asserted:"India and China should start working together on strategic and security issues as both are threatened by regional instability across their peripheries. The latest concern is emanating from Afghanistan post the withdrawal of US troops. It is logical for both India and China to get on the same board to tackle bilateral challenges. The biggest sign of hope at present is that the level of cooperation is much better than it was earlier."

Nearly 100 speakers from 25 countries have converged at The Growth Net 2014 to discuss global economic imperatives. The key issues being raised in the meeting include global security environment, energy and water challenges; common global priorities; innovations and new technologies; education and healthcare; and foreign investment opportunities. Subhajit Chandra.