India Moves Towards Unified Theatre Commands in Defence Strategy

During a seminar in New Delhi on Friday, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh emphasized the government's commitment to integrate India's armed forces into unified theatre commands. This initiative aims to optimize national power in a strategic manner.

The Vision for Integration

Singh stated that the political leadership is firmly aligned with the need for this integration of the three services. He mentioned, "We have a clear direction to move towards theatre commands, and the planning for this process is already in motion." A detailed blueprint has been developed and is currently awaiting the highest level of approval.

Importance of Integrated Theatre Commands

In the modern theatre of warfare, which spans multiple domains including space, cyber, land, sea, and air, establishing integrated theatre commands is deemed essential for protecting India's national interests. As Singh reiterated, "We are progressing towards this goal."

Discussions on the need for integrated theatre commands have been ongoing since the Kargil War in 1999. Recently, the armed forces submitted a formal proposal to the government, which remains pending approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

Strategic Defense Preparedness

Former Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan (retired) indicated that the proposed structure will encompass both land and sea-based theatre commands, addressing India’s strategic challenges. Following the reorganization of the CDS position in 2019, the momentum for these changes has only increased.

Singh also highlighted the shifting global landscape, stating that the consensus on international norms has eroded, leading many nations to bolster their military capabilities and increase spending. In response, India's focus has shifted towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The Defence Secretary stressed the importance of ensuring supply chains are established with friendly countries, minimizing dependency on fragile or concentrated supply routes.

Boosting Domestic Defence Industry

India's aspiration to strengthen its defence-industrial base is evident, with approximately 840 large and medium-sized enterprises and around 17,000 small companies and startups actively contributing to the sector. The domestic defence market has reached a valuation of Rs 1.78 trillion, while defence exports have surged to a record high of approximately Rs 38,000 crore.

Singh outlined a strategic vision for co-development, co-production, and co-ownership of defence technologies with allied nations. The aim is to integrate Indian suppliers into global supply chains effectively.

India’s Global Defence Role

Interestingly, India has emerged as a leading supplier of defence products, particularly ammunition, to Europe amid the ongoing conflict stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Reports suggest that Indian arms manufacturers have delivered $872 million worth of ammunition to 13 countries in eastern and central Europe since 2022.

The upward trend in exports contrasts sharply with previous figures of just over $49 million. In January, India and the European Union established a comprehensive security and defence partnership while concluding a free-trade agreement, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties.

Furthermore, France continues to be a principal supplier of advanced defence technology to India, which has also expanded its defence collaborations with nations across West Asia and Africa.