India nears rollout of single-command military for China, Pakistan borders

Operation Sindoor in May 2025 was the first major operation where all three services operated in an integrated format, showcasing coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force.

In Short

• CDS General NS Raja Subramani seeks ministry approval for rollout
• Rajnath Singh's clearance will send the proposal to the CCS next
• The plan proposes four-star commanders with tri-service assets under them

The Indian Armed Forces are moving towards the final stage of establishing integrated theatre commands. According to sources, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani has sought approval from the Defence Ministry for the rollout of the theatre command structure.

The CDS is expected to make a presentation before Defence Minister Rajnath Singh seeking his approval for the proposal. Once cleared by the Defence Minister, the proposal will move to the next stage before being placed before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for final approval.

If approved, the theatre command system would mark one of the biggest reorganisations of India's armed forces since Independence, aimed at improving combat readiness, enhancing joint operations and ensuring more efficient utilisation of military resources.

A LONG-PENDING REFORM

General Subramani, who recently took charge as India's third Chief of Defence Staff, has been overseeing the integration process within the armed forces.

His predecessor, General Anil Chauhan, had submitted the proposal for the creation of integrated theatre commands to the Defence Minister in April this year after extensive consultations among the three services.

The move marks a major step towards implementing one of India's longest-pending military reforms, with the proposal now awaiting approval after years of discussions on its structure, hierarchy and operational framework.

FOUR-STAR THEATRE COMMANDERS LIKELY

According to sources, the proposal submitted by the CDS recommends the appointment of four-star theatre commanders, placing them at a level equivalent to the chiefs of the three services.

These commanders would oversee operational assets and personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force within their respective theatres, enabling unified decision-making and joint operations.

The proposal also includes the creation of a Vice Chief of Defence Staff post, along with deputy commanders for each theatre command. The deputy commanders are likely to be drawn from services other than the one headed by the theatre commander, ensuring representation from all three forces.

WHAT IS THEATRE COMMAND MODEL?

The theatre command model, first proposed by India's first CDS General Bipin Rawat, aims to bring military resources of all three services under a single commander for faster decision-making and improved coordination during operations.

Since the proposal was first introduced, the armed forces have held several rounds of consultations on its feasibility, command structure and implementation.

The sharing of resources and the chain of command between the three services have remained among the biggest areas of discussion during the finalisation of the framework.

Under the proposed system, assets such as fighter aircraft, helicopters, warships, tanks, weapons systems and manpower would be integrated under regional commands based on operational requirements.

THREE PRIMARY THEATRE COMMANDS LIKELY

Under the proposed structure, India is likely to have three major theatre commands: a western command focused on Pakistan, a northern command responsible for the China border, and a maritime command overseeing the country's maritime interests.

The western theatre command is likely to be headed by an Air Force officer, the northern command by an Army officer, and the maritime command by a Navy officer.

The distribution of Indian Air Force assets is also being examined as part of the proposal. While some strategic capabilities may remain under central control in Delhi for rapid deployment, operational assets could be placed under theatre commands based on requirements.

PLANS TOWARDS JOINT OPERATIONS

A joint commanders' conference was held in Jaipur earlier in May, where the top military leadership was briefed on the roadmap for integrated operations and future reforms.

Even as the proposal awaits approval from the Defence Ministry and the CCS, the armed forces have already begun operating on the principles of jointness and synergy.

The three services have conducted multiple joint deployments and exercises, including Exercise Trishul, one of the largest tri-services exercises designed around the theatre command concept.

Operation Sindoor in May 2025 was the first major operation where all three services operated in an integrated format, showcasing coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force.

- Ends