The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) has proposed that the government should be empowered to investigate and prohibit foreign acquisitions, mergers or takeovers of Indian companies. This is aimed at countering any possible threat to national security by foreign interests. The NSCS proposal favours two specific measures. First, the communication network management equipment should be brought within the purview of industrial licences governed by the Industries Development and Regulation Act, 1951. Also, explicit provisions must be made in telecom licences to protect national security. Second, a committee should be set up to review foreign acquisitions and address the issue of threat to national security.