The push for theaterisation in Indian Armed Forces seems to be getting stronger with several steps being planned to achieve the same. It is worth noting here the efforts to integrate the Army, Navy and Air Force have gathered pace in recent years, as the military works to prepare for theaterisation.
Now, it has emerged that the armed forces are gearing up for sweeping structural changes under the proposed theatre commands, for which interim steps are being rolled out to deepen the integration. These include standardisation of equipment, common logistics and procurement chains, joint training at multiple levels, cross-postings.
In addition to these immediate measures, more social interaction among personnel is also being prioritised. These efforts aim to enhance interoperability and shared understanding before any major structural reform is implemented, The Indian Express has reported.
Many of these measures were reviewed at the Combined Commanders Conference in Kolkata, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The key takeaway was that integration must accelerate even as the final structure of theatre commands remains under discussion.
Why is deeper familiarity across services considered crucial?
The report added, citing sources, that the focus is now on ensuring that personnel understand each other’s capabilities, constraints and equipment. This familiarity will allow tri-service requirements to be built into operational plans from the very beginning, rather than retrofitted later.
Worth noting here is that the armed forces’ joint collaboration was seen during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, which proved how great a result could be achieved if all the armed forces work in tandem. Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored how Op Sindoor showcased real-time synergy between the Army, Navy and Air Force.
This allowed commanders to make swift, accurate decisions while eliminating risks like friendly fire. Calling it a “living example of jointness delivering decisive results,” the defence minister added that the operation Sindoor should now serve as the benchmark for all future missions.
In view of the same, joint training modules are being expanded, course syllabi are being reworked, and vacancies are being aligned so that officers and personnel can train, contribute and learn alongside counterparts from the other services.
What structural reforms have already been announced?
Two key decisions have emerged from the recent commanders’ conference – creation of a unified tri-services Education Corps, establishment of three joint military stations in Thiruvananthapuram, Visakhapatnam and Gandhinagar in the first phase. These are stepping stones towards larger integration and theaterisation.
What does theatreisation actually entail?
The plan aims to bring the Army, Navy and Air Force under unified “theatre” commands responsible for specific geographical or functional domains. All resources – manpower, platforms, logistics and communications – would be placed under a single commander.
CDS General Anil Chauhan has stated that differences within the services over the structure and scope of these commands will be addressed through dialogue and consensus-building.
How training and communication is being harmonised?
A sharper thrust is being placed on joint courses, with syllabi being modified to reflect tri-service objectives. The limited tri-service communication network is also planned for expansion to enable seamless data-sharing and operational coordination.
Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs) may soon be reformatted to reflect both service-specific and integrated performance parameters.
Sources further indicate that certain service-specific customs and traditions are being harmonised or phased out to reinforce a shared identity. Increased social interactions are being encouraged to build familiarity with each service’s ethos and culture.
How are logistics and equipment being standardised?
Standardisation of platforms, supply chains and maintenance is being treated as a core requirement for interoperability. This includes aligning procurement, streamlining spare parts management, and reducing duplication of resources. Joint logistics nodes already exist, and more inter-service postings are being planned at all levels to operationalise integration on the ground.