Why in News?
The Defence Ministry emphasized expanding women’s roles across all three Indian Armed Forces. Women now constitute 13.4% of the IAF, 6.85% of the Army, and 6% of the Navy, with efforts to open more branches and entry schemes.
Description:
Constitutional Position:
- The President of India is the Supreme Commander.
- Administered by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Components:
- Indian Army – Land-based operations.
- Indian Navy – Maritime security.
- Indian Air Force (IAF) – Aerial defense.
- Indian Coast Guard (ICG) – Maritime law enforcement & rescue.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS):
- Created in 2019 after Kargil Review Committee (2001) & Shekatkar Committee.
- Heads Department of Military Affairs under MoD.
- Coordinates tri-service operations; part of Nuclear Command Authority.
Indian Army:
- Second-largest standing army globally.
- Led by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
- Known for Para Commandos – elite special forces for behind-enemy-line missions.
Indian Navy:
- Led by Chief of Naval Staff (CNS).
- 3 Commands:
- Western (Mumbai)
- Eastern (Visakhapatnam)
- Southern (Kochi)
- MARCOS: Marine Commandos (anti-terrorism & special ops).
Indian Air Force (IAF):
- Established: 8 October 1932.
- Led by the Chief of Air Staff.
- Garud Commando Force for base protection & search-rescue missions.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG):
- Formed under Coast Guard Act, 1978.
- Mandate: Coastal security, marine pollution response, rescue ops.
- “First responder” during maritime disasters.
🪖Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) – Under MHA:
| Force | Function |
| CRPF | Internal security, counter-insurgency |
| BSF | Guards India’s borders with Pakistan & Bangladesh |
| ITBP | Secures India-China border (LAC) |
| SSB | Guards Indo-Nepal & Indo-Bhutan borders |
| CISF | Industrial & infrastructure security |
| NSG | Anti-terrorism, hostage rescue |
| Assam Rifles | Northeast counter-insurgency & border guarding (dual control: MHA & Army) |
Special Forces Units:
- NSG (National Security Guard) – “Black Cats” for counter-terror operations.
- SPG (Special Protection Group) – PM & former PM security.
- MARCOS, Garuds, Para SF – Military special ops units.
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