Theatre of Military Command

Source: The post  Theatre of Military Command has been created, based on the article “The theatre of military command” published in “Business Standard” on 6th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1-Polity and governance

Context:The article discusses the ongoing challenges and reforms related to India’s military command structure. It highlights the need for theatre commands to achieve synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, a reform critical for modern warfare.

Why is the creation of theatre commands essential for India?

Theatre commands are critical for achieving battlefield synergy among India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force. They enable unified command, optimize resource utilization, and align with modern global military practices.

What is the historical significance of India’s military?

India’s 1.4 million-strong armed forces have a legacy of discipline and bravery. Indian troops played key roles in historic battles like the Battle of Ypres (World War I) and the Burma Campaign (World War II). During British rule, the British Indian Army supported imperial power across Asia.

How has civil-military coordination evolved in India?

India’s civil-military relations have been historically marked by rivalry and mistrust. While such a dynamic served colonial divide-and-rule policies, independent India required a more unified approach. Instances like the 1947 airlift of troops to Kashmir highlight the government’s ability to take decisive military action when needed.

What are the key tensions in civil-military relations in India?

1. Inter-service rivalries: Competition among the Army, Navy, and Air Force undermines cooperation.
2. Civil-military mistrust: Bureaucratic and military relations are often marked by suspicion and a lack of alignment.
3. Leadership inconsistencies: Examples include George Fernandes decisively sacking Navy Chief Admiral Vishnu Bhagwat (1998) and A.K. Antony’s passive approach to General V.K. Singh’s court case (2012).

How has this affected decision-making in crises?

During the 26/11 Mumbai attacks (2008), the chiefs of the armed forces failed to provide clear recommendations for retaliation, despite the Prime Minister’s direct queries. This highlights the need for better coordination and clarity in leadership.

What has been India’s progress on defence reforms?

India has faced calls for unified command structures since the 1999 Kargil conflict. Various committees, including the Kargil Review Committee (1999), Group of Ministers Report (2001), Naresh Chandra Committee (2012), and Shekatkar Committee (2016), recommended creating a tri-service commander position like the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

What was the significance of appointing a Chief of Defence Staff in 2019?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the creation of the CDS in 2019 to address fragmented military leadership.

The CDS:

• Heads the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) within the Ministry of Defence.
• Coordinates the restructuring of 17 single-service commands into joint/theatre commands.
• Provides the armed forces formal authority within the government structure.

What are the proposed theatre commands in India?

1. Northern Theatre Command: Army-led, addressing the China threat.
2. Western Theatre Command: Air Force-led, focusing on Pakistan.
3. Maritime Theatre Command: Navy-led, defending peninsular India.
4. Strategic Forces Command: Managing India’s nuclear deterrent.

What are the concerns regarding theatre commands?

1. Army dominance: The Navy and Air Force fear marginalization due to the Army’s larger size.
2. Democracy concerns: Some fear an overly empowered CDS could threaten democratic control.
3. Reporting structure: Debate persists on whether theatre commanders should report to service chiefs, the CDS, or directly to the Defence Minister.

How does the government plan to address these concerns?

1. The DMA’s mandate includes facilitating joint operations and addressing biases.
2. The proposed theatre command structure aims to balance responsibilities among services, ensuring no single branch dominates.

What is the current status and way forward?

1. Despite progress, longstanding biases and inter-service rivalries hinder full implementation of theatre commands.
2. The Prime Minister has made clear that theatre commands are a priority reform, and the CDS must finalize proposals for government approval.
3. Establishing theatre commands is not optional but essential for India’s military modernization.