Theatre command proposal to be submitted to govt soon: CDS Anil Chauhan
Theatre commands refer to geographically defined operational areas led by a single commander who controls all war-fighting assets
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan on Thursday said discussions among the armed forces on the creation of theatre commands have concluded, and a proposal will be submitted to the government within the next week or so.
Speaking at a fireside chat during a brainstorming session at an event titled ‘Ran Samwad’, hosted by the Ministry of Defence, Gen Chauhan said, “I should be able to complete the report of Operation Tiranga — the name given to the discussions and formulation of theatre commands — in a week or so.”
Officials later indicated that it may take about two weeks for the proposal to be formally submitted to the government.
“From our side, it is done. All three services are on board and discussions have concluded. Now, we have to take the proposal to the Defence Minister and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS),” the CDS said.
He added that the theatre commands concept had two aspects — the idea itself and its operationalisation. “There is 100 per cent consensus on the concept. Some differences remain on the process of implementation; however, we are moving ahead,” he said.
Earlier, a top military official confirmed that more than 90 per cent of the planning for the creation of theatre commands — a new organisational structure for the armed forces — has been completed.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, immediate junior of CDS Chauhan, who is tasked with advancing tri-service jointness, integration and operational synergy, said, “Our move towards joint structures and theatre commands — with planning now reported to be more than 90 per cent complete — is a historic opportunity.”
He cautioned that structures alone do not guarantee synergy, stressing that cultural integration is key. “Jointness must evolve from mere coordination to genuine unity of effort. That requires transparency in information-sharing, clarity of authority and, most fundamentally, mutual trust,” he said.
Theatre commands refer to geographically defined operational areas led by a single commander who controls all war-fighting assets, including aircraft, helicopters, artillery, tanks, equipment and personnel.
Under the emerging contours, the western theatre, focused on Pakistan, is likely to be headed by an Indian Air Force officer, while the northern theatre, focused on China, would be led by an Army officer. The maritime theatre command, as expected, would be headed by a Navy officer.
