Integrated theatre commands ready for govt review: Indian Army Chief
New Delhi: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi announced that the plan for controversial integrated theatre commands has reached a “mature” stage and is ready for government review.
According to Kashmir Media Service, addressing the Col Pyara Lal Memorial Lecture in New Delhi, he emphasized the consensus among service chiefs and the Chief of Defence Staff on the initiative.
Theatre commands aim to integrate Army, Navy, and Air Force operations, tailored to India’s unique security needs.
Progress includes joint logistics nodes, joint doctrines, and standard operating procedures.
General Bipin Rawat, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, played a crucial role in shaping the country’s military integration efforts. His vision for integrated theatre commands aimed to enhance joint operations among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. However, the Indian Air Force and Navy viewed this initiative as an attempt to impose the Army’s dominance, sparking concerns about the impact on inter-service dynamics.
Rawat’s unexpected death in a helicopter crash on December 8, 2021, fueled speculation about an “inside job.” The incident occurred while he was en route to deliver a lecture at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington. The crash claimed the lives of 13 others, including his wife, Madhulika Rawat ¹.
The recent announcement by General Upendra Dwivedi regarding the plan’s maturity and readiness has significant implications. Experts believe this development carries substantial risk for General Dwivedi, given the sensitive nature of the initiative.
