Integrated theatre commands next step in defence reforms: Army chief
| Date :22-Oct-2020 |
NEW DELHI :
THE next logical step in the process of defence reforms in India is the formation of Integrated Theatre Commands to synergise the capabilities and combat potential of the three armed services during war and peace, Indian Army chief, General Manoj Mukund Naravane said on Wednesday.
He, however, said that this process will be "deliberate, thoughtful and well considered" and its fruition will take a "number of years." The Army chief was speaking during his visit to the College of Defence Management (CDM) and the Bison Division at Secunderabad. At the CDM, General Naravane, interacting with the officers of the prestigious Higher Defence Management Course, spoke about the current security scenario and focused on the geo-strategic implications on capability development and force utilisation of the Indian Army in pursuit of national interests. During his address to the student officers and faculty of the CDM, he spoke on a number of issues concerning integration, theaterisation and modernisation of the armed forces in general, and the Indian Army in particular.
On the Government's decision to appoint a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and create the Department of Military Affairs, he said that it was "a momentous one" and that the services needed to "demonstrate great wisdom and statesmanship in enabling the CDS, a long-standing demand of the armed forces". The Army chief also told the officers that there was a need for everyone to work in a spirit of togetherness and trust with the national security interests being paramount. However, adding a note of caution, he said that there might be a requirement for "mid course corrections."