Discussions On Formation Of Joint Commands And Their Implementation Progressing Well And Fast: Rajnath Singh

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh yesterday (29 August) said that the discussions on the formation of joint commands and their implementation were progressing well and fast, reports Hindustan Times.

Speaking on the subject of "Defence Reforms in Shifting National Security Paradigm" at the Tamil Nadu-based Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, Singh shared, "With the creation of theatre commands, the Indian armed forces will have to develop integrated operational concepts and doctrine for joint warfighting."

Singh's comments gain significance as just last month, Indian Air Force (IAF)'s Chief RKS Bhadauria had flagged concerns about the theaterisation model.

The armed forces currently have 17 single-service commands spread across the country. The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force have seven commands each, while the Indian Navy has three. Creating theatres would involve merging the existing commands.

Meanwhile, Singh also said that the creation of the post of CDS and the department of military affairs was an important step to start defence reforms.

“These steps have given the necessary direction for further changes and provided a system of coordination under which we are continuously taking our efforts forward,” Singh added.