Six Military Chiefs Support the Establishment of Theatre Commands
Agreement on establishing military theatre commands was reached twice this year.
Image Source: Hindustan Times
India has made significant progress toward establishing military theatre commands by achieving consensus twice this year among the chiefs of its three services—first in April, then again in October after new chiefs took over. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is also in favor, supporting integrated formations, streamlined communication, and resource optimization, according to sources familiar with the developments.
The plan for the theatre commands is finalized and is expected to be presented soon to the highest political authorities for approval. A foundational step was taken on May 10 when the government enacted the Inter-Services Organizations (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act to promote synergy among the services. Rather than imposing theatre commands, the government, led by CDS Gen Anil Chauhan, has embraced a collaborative approach, engaging with each service level by level.
India’s strategy will include three commands focused on potential threats from the West, North, and the maritime domain, including island territories. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and national security planners have been briefed on the CDS’s recommendations. The services have agreed to centralize communications, intelligence, cybersecurity, and logistics, moving away from the existing structure where each branch operates separate communication networks, often leading to slower response times and limited intelligence sharing.
Experts argue that theatre commands represent the future of defense, as the major P-5 countries have already adopted this structure, making it essential for India to avoid siloed operations. The new theatre commands will rationalize resources and integrate platforms more efficiently. The government is also encouraging the armed forces to reduce ceremonial activities and tailor battle strategies to the regional context rather than follow Western models.
The three theatre commanders will be of equal rank to the service chiefs and will report directly to the Defence Minister through the CDS for operational purposes. This structure will enable the Defence Minister to stay closely informed of border and maritime operations, aligning India with P-5 operational practices. With the service chiefs unified on these military reforms, the final step rests with the political leadership to decide when this new security structure will be implemented.
Team Profile
- Freelance Journalist
- Aryan Gulati is a dedicated media student based in Meerut with a wealth of experience in various newspapers and media houses. He has numerous published articles and specializes in political and crime news writing, demonstrating a strong commitment to impactful journalism.
Latest entries
Crime23 January 2025Woman Arrested in Prakasam for a Series of Thefts Involving Use of Sedatives
News23 January 2025“Delhiites are Aware that AAP is Working Tirelessly on Their Behalf,” Said CM Atishi
News23 January 2025Woman and Her Nephew Arrested in Haryana for Cow Slaughtering
News21 January 2025Saif Ali Khan’s Attacker Hid in the Garden of the Actor’s Building for Two Hours After Stabbing Him
