Indian Air Force, Army, Navy set to head separate theatre commands
Move seen as attempt to address differences among Indian forces
Bengaluru: The proposed formation of theatre commands for the armed forces has taken shape, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) likely to lead the western theatre focused on Pakistan, the Army to head the northern theatre oriented towards China, and the Navy to command the maritime theatre.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the plan awaits approval from the Ministry of Defence and the Cabinet Committee on Security. Theatre commands are geographically defined operational areas, each headed by a military commander controlling all war-fighting assets.
The allocation of theatre commands is largely fixed, with no rotation envisaged unlike earlier proposals. The military is also considering creating a Vice Chief of Defence Staff and deputy commanders for theatres, drawn from different services to ensure jointness. With the current Chief of Defence Staff retiring in May, the revised proposal might be presented soon.
India’s proposed theatre command structure is seen as an attempt to address concerns of Army dominance in previous theatreization concepts. By allocating the Western Theatre to IAF and Northern Theatre to Army, India aims to settle difference among its forces.
