Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has strongly reaffirmed that Theaterisation—the integration of Army, Air Force, and Navy capabilities—is certain to happen, with only the time-frame remaining uncertain.

He emphasised that in modern warfare, many agencies including the Border Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, tri-services, defence cyber and space agencies, ISRO, civil defence, and various civilian administrations are involved.

Coordinating these multiple agencies necessitates Theaterisation, as unity of command under one commander is vital for effective execution and coordination.

Dwivedi stressed that Theaterisation involves jointness and integration and that several steps and discussions are required before it can be fully implemented.

The Army chief pointed out that battles are never fought by only one force, highlighting the importance of a unified command structure to achieve operational synergy. He also noted that divergent opinions have recently emerged among the service chiefs, but Theaterisation remains a necessary evolution for India’s armed forces, with the Chief of Defence Staff assuring that any differences will be resolved in the nation's best interest.

On the topic of GST rate reductions on military equipment and systems, General Dwivedi thanked the government, saying it will significantly boost defence corridors by encouraging more investments. He noted that MSMEs and start-ups in the defence sector often struggle with limited funds, and the GST cuts would give them a much-needed push.

The reduction of GST on heavy equipment from 18% to 5%, and a similar cut on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), will directly benefit modernisation, research and development, and training initiatives within the Indian Army. The GST reductions will facilitate faster modernisation and upgrade cycles, while also fostering greater adoption of drone technologies, which are expected to play a significant role in future conflicts.

Regarding Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, General Dwivedi clarified that the conflict and related operations extended far beyond the initially understood timeframe ending May 10. He stated the "war didn't end on May 10" and continued for a longer period, with many crucial decisions taken beyond battlefield engagements.

The Army moved in a coordinated "rhythmic wave," demonstrating excellent synergy and preparedness. However, despite this deep strike operation, he cautioned that state-sponsored terrorism and infiltration attempts at the Line of Control (LoC) have not stopped. The insurgency threats persist with continued infiltration, and the Indian Army remains vigilant in countering these ongoing challenges.

General Dwivedi's remarks highlight the inevitability and importance of Theaterisation for unified command and coordination of India's complex security apparatus.

The GST rate cuts provide a welcome boost to the defence sector’s modernisation and innovation capabilities. Meanwhile, Operation Sindoor represents a significant strike against terror infrastructure, though ground realities of infiltration persist, requiring sustained military vigilance and response.

This comprehensive perspective reflects the evolving strategic military posture and administrative reforms aimed at enhancing India’s security preparedness in a multi-domain battle environment.

Agencies