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Context

The Ran Samwad 2025 seminar at the Army War College in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, reignited discussions on India’s plan to establish integrated theatre commands (ITCs).

What are Integrated Theatre Commands?

Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) combine the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single commander for a specific geographical region to enhance coordination, optimize resources, and improve combat effectiveness.

Currently 17 service-specific commands (7 Army, 7 Air Force, 3 Navy), also there are two tri-service commands — the Andaman and Nicobar Command and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), which manages India’s nuclear arsenal.

• ITCs aim to unify operations for multi-domain warfare, including cyber, space, and electronic domains.

Proposed Structure

Northern Theatre Command (Lucknow): Focuses on threats from China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Western Theatre Command (Jaipur): Addresses threats from Pakistan.

Maritime Theatre Command (Thiruvananthapuram): Manages operations in the Indian Ocean Region.

Existing Tri-Service Commands: Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC, Port Blair, est. 2001) and Strategic Forces Command (SFC, Delhi, est. 2003) may be integrated or retained separately.

Rationale for Theatre Commands

Modern Warfare: Multi-domain conflicts involving drones, cyber-attacks, and precision weapons demand integrated operations.

Two-Front Threat: Simultaneous threats from China (northern borders) and Pakistan (western borders) require unified planning.

Resource Optimization: ITCs reduce duplication, streamline logistics, and enhance decision-making.

Global Practices: The US (Unified Combatant Commands) and China (five theatre commands since 2016) demonstrate improved efficiency through integration.

Regional Security: Strengthens India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.

Indigenisation: Promotes coordinated procurement, boosting indigenous platforms like Tejas and INS Vikrant.

Evolution of the Concept of Integrated Theatre Commands

Kargil Review Committee (1999): Recommended ITCs and CDS post-Kargil War to address coordination failures.

Shekatkar Committee (2016): Proposed three ITCs for enhanced synergy and resource efficiency.

CDS Creation (2019): PM Modi’s announcement led to General Bipin Rawat’s appointment as India’s first CDS, who proposed four theatre commands.

Current Plan (2025): General Anil Chauhan revised the plan to three adversary-based ITCs after IAF objections to the initial model.

Challenges in Implementation

IAF Reservations: The IAF concern dividing its limited air assets (31 squadrons vs required 42) and losing doctrinal autonomy, advocating a Joint Planning and Coordination Hub instead.

Legacy Structures: Dismantling 17 service-specific commands, operational for over 70 years, risks resistance and bureaucratic delays.

Resource Constraints: The IAF and Navy face budget limitations, with the Army dominating allocations.

Lack of Joint Doctrine: Divergent strategic cultures among services hinder consensus on a unified war-fighting doctrine.

Technological Gaps: Outdated systems (e.g., MiG-21s) and nascent cyber/space capabilities limit integration.

Infrastructure Deficits: Inadequate connectivity in border areas, especially the Northern Theatre, hampers joint operations.

Way Forward

Unified Doctrine: Develop a joint war-fighting doctrine through tri-service consensus, led by the CDS.

Phased Implementation: Start with pilot projects (e.g., air defence command) to test and refine ITC structures.

Modernize: Invest in secure, interoperable Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance systems.

Infrastructure Development: Accelerate border infrastructure via the Border Roads Organisation and Vibrant Villages Programme.

Joint Training: Expand tri-service institutions like the National Defence College and introduce joint training modules.

Balance Modernization: Prioritize indigenous platforms (e.g., Arjun tank, INS Vishal) alongside ITC reforms to avoid overstretching resources.

Conclusion

Theatre commands represent India’s most ambitious defence reform, aiming to unify the Army, Navy, and Air Force for modern multi-domain warfare. Despite strong support from the Army and Navy, IAF concerns and structural challenges require careful resolution. A phased approach, clear command structures, and investments in technology and infrastructure will ensure ITCs enhance India’s deterrence against China and Pakistan while aligning with its strategic autonomy.

Source: INDIAN EXPRESS