Will of the nation is the will of its people: NSA Doval

Addressing the HT Leadership Summit on Saturday in New Delhi, Doval said that Pakistan is using terrorism as an instrument of state policy.

He said, "Other than Bhutan, we have a problem with all our borders,” Doval said speaking on the topic “India's future security threats."

Addressing on India's national security concerns, NSA remarked that security is more than tanks and aircrafts.

Doval assessed, "India is engaging with nations with conflicting interests. The challenge for us is to engage with countries diplomatically. Have to ensure that war does not remain a necessary option. India needs to figure out how to deal with changing global power balance."

He said, "Cyber space is going to be the new frontier. We are aware that we have got experience and scientific capabilities. Cyber war will be fought on a different level."

"The most important factor in national security is will of people, but hi-tech wars and cyber threats are serious," he added.

On the domestic front, he said demographic diversity was an asset, but could become a source of threat unless needs of people were met.

“People need to know that if they commit a crime they will be punished, if they abide by the law they will be protected.”

He admitted that in this regard, Police modernisation is crucial.

"Globalisation has created a threat of its own; something affects one part of the world, others get affected," Doval added.

The country's top intel head felt that the country has to start now for technological upgradation.

According to him, if India's economy rises at 8 or 9 per cent, India will be very secure.

He also said that "There are 800 million people in India below the age of 35. We have problems of urbanisation and youth. Good governance is fundamental to eliminating problems of labour, employment and other issues. Will of the nation is the will of its people."