India's Military Commanders To Get First Look At Theatre Command Plans At Lucknow Conference

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and CDS General Anil Chauhan are set to sensitise the three military chiefs and commanders-in-chief on impending changes to the military structure through the Theatre Commands.

The introduction of theatre commands in the armed forces is expected as early as this year.

General Anil Chauhan is slated to address the inaugural Joint Combined Commanders Conference in Lucknow today (4 September), followed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's address tomorrow.

CDS Gen Anil Chauhan has finalised the blueprint for the three theatre commands after extensive consultations with all ranks of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The blueprint is now awaiting the final approval from Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Central government.

The Northern Theatre Command will be headquartered in Lucknow with a focus on China, while Jaipur will house the Western Theatre Command with a focus on Pakistan.

The Maritime Theatre Command will operate from Thiruvananthapuram, overseeing India’s interests in the Indian Ocean.

Although some concerns exist within the military regarding these changes, the integration of the Army, Navy, and Air Force at an operational level is critical for future combat readiness.

China and the US both have been operating multiple theatre command systems.

The establishment of theatre commands will mark a major transformation for India’s military.

Theatre commanders will have operational authority while staff roles like training and acquisitions will be managed by Service Headquarters.

Theatre commanders, equivalent in rank to service chiefs, will report directly to political leaders, thereby reducing bureaucratic delays.

Ahead of the Lucknow conference, the theatre command structure had already been discussed at the Defence Ministry and with national security planners.

The final document will reflects key inputs from these deliberations.

Given the ongoing global tensions, from conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine to Chinese activities in the South China Sea, it is imperative that India’s military can respond swiftly and in unison to emerging crises.

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