Recent discussions at the Army War College brought into light ongoing debates about India’s joint military command structure. The Chief of Air Staff (CAS) questioned the necessity of a joint command. Yet, he praised the integrated success of Operation SINDOOR, where Army and Air Force collaborated closely. This reflects progress since 1999, when the services conducted separate operations during the Kargil conflict. Despite this, challenges remain in defining roles and optimising jointness within India’s defence framework.
Evolution of Joint Military Operations in India
India’s military has moved from separate service operations to more integrated efforts. Operation SINDOOR in 2025 marked a milestone, with coordinated planning and execution by Army and Air Force. Earlier conflicts, like Kargil in 1999, saw distinct operations by different services. The appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was intended to enhance integration but faced resistance, particularly from the Indian Air Force. The CDS role, established after two decades, focuses on planning and budgeting rather than operational command.
Role and Challenges of the Chief of Defence Staff
The CDS is the principal military adviser to the Defence Minister and chairs the Chiefs of Staff Committee. However, the CDS lacks direct operational control over service headquarters. This limits the ability to enforce unified command. The position was designed to improve defence planning and budget management, not to command forces in battle. Resistance from bureaucracy and services delayed the CDS’s appointment and affected the evolution of joint structures.
Integrated Defence Staff and Theatre Commands
The Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) was created to support jointness but is criticised for adding bureaucratic layers. Theatre commands, meant to unify command across services in geographic areas, remain under debate. Clear operational logic and consensus are necessary to implement these commands effectively. India already has joint commands like the Andaman & Nicobar Command and Strategic Forces Command, which serve as models for future integration.
Operational Logic Behind Jointness
Modern warfare demands seamless integration of land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains. Joint operations maximise speed, accuracy, and resilience. Historical examples include the coordination in World War II and Operation Desert Storm. India’s military must adapt to the physical, informational, and perceptual dimensions of war. Joint commands enable better decision-making and resource allocation, crucial for maintaining initiative and momentum in conflict.
Concerns Over Leadership and Experience
The CAS raised concerns about leadership experience in joint commands. However, leadership depends more on vision and understanding than on service-specific experience. Exposure to diverse roles builds broader perspectives. Past Indian Air Force chiefs without fighter pilot backgrounds demonstrate that leadership quality is not confined to operational experience. Joint command structures should be based on consensus and mutual trust.
Need for Consensus and Organisational Reform
Successful defence reforms require agreement among services, bureaucracy, and political leadership. The history of India’s defence management shows the importance of consensus for sustainable change. Joint structures must be clearly defined to avoid confusion between theatre commanders, service chiefs, and the CDS. Organisational health at inception is vital for long-term effectiveness. Jointness is essential for India’s military to meet modern challenges and ensure national security.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss in the light of India’s military reforms the challenges and benefits of establishing a Chief of Defence Staff with operational command.
- Critically examine the role of joint theatre commands in enhancing India’s defence preparedness and operational efficiency.
- Explain the significance of jointness in modern warfare and how it integrates multiple domains including land, air, sea, cyber, and space.
- With suitable examples, discuss the importance of consensus among military services and bureaucracy in implementing defence organisational reforms.
