Paper: GS – III, Subject: Internal Security, Topic: Security Forces and their mandate, Issue: Significance of ITCs.
Context:
The Ministry of Defence declared 2025 as the “Year of Reforms”, with ITCs as a key agenda. However, ongoing debates within services, particularly IAF concerns, are delaying the rollout. Recent seminars such as Ran Samvad 2025 revived focus on theatreisation.
Key Takeaways:
- Kargil Review Committee (1999): Exposed lack of inter-service coordination, recommended CDS & integrated theatre commands.
- Naresh Chandra Committee (2012): Suggested permanent Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee as interim.
- Shekatkar Committee (2016): Recommended 3 commands such as Northern, Western, Maritime.
- CDS & Department of Military Affairs (2019): Created to push jointness.
- Inter-Services Organisation Act, 2023: Empowered tri-service commanders with disciplinary powers.
- Existing Tri-Service Commands:
- Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC) (2001) – First tri-service command.
- Strategic Forces Command (SFC) – Nuclear deterrence management.
Significance of ITCs:
- Unified Command: One commander for a specific theatre ensures faster decision-making.
- Resource Optimisation: Avoid duplication of assets such as logistics, air defence.
- Modernisation: Cyber, space, missile defence will be integrated into operations boosting operational readiness.
- Better Preparedness: To face Two-front war situations especially under the threat of China–Pakistan nexus.
- Joint Training & Doctrine: Common warfighting culture across services enables effective tackling of crisis situations.
Challenges in Implementation:
- Inter-Service Rivalry: IAF fears reduction to a “support arm”; Army dominance concerns.
- Resource Gaps:
- IAF operates 31 squadrons vs sanctioned 42.
- Navy’s constrained budget caps maritime command expansion.
- Absence of Unified Doctrine: No joint war-fighting strategy; divergent service cultures.
- Career & Hierarchy Issues: Concerns over command equivalence, promotions, and career progression.
- Infrastructure Deficit: Border infrastructure underdeveloped, especially in Northern theatre.
- Technological Shortfalls: Weak integration of C4ISR, cyber, and space capabilities.
- Lack of National Security Strategy (NSS): No overarching framework to guide theatreisation.
- Operational Relevance: Critics argue ITCs focus on conventional wars, while India faces growing sub-conventional threats (terrorism, cyber warfare)
Global Comparisions:
Measures needed for Multi-Domain Warfighting Capability:
Conclusion:
Integrated Theatre Commands represent the biggest military reform since Independence. While inter-service rivalries and logistical gaps persist, phased and doctrine-based implementation will transform India’s warfighting capabilities, ensuring readiness for two-front threats and multi-domain warfare in the Indo-Pacific century.
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/plan-for-theatre-commands-10229049
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