New Delhi: Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has announced that the plan for controversial integrated theatre commands has reached a mature stage and is now ready for government review.

According to Kashmir Media Service, addressing the Col Pyara Lal Memorial Lecture in New Delhi, General Dwivedi highlighted the consensus among service chiefs and the Chief of Defence Staff regarding the initiative, which aims to streamline Army, Navy, and Air Force operations, tailored to India’s specific security requirements. The progress includes the establishment of joint logistics nodes, the creation of joint doctrines, and the formulation of standard operating procedures.

The concept was significantly shaped by General Bipin Rawat, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, whose vision for integrated theatre commands was designed to enhance joint operations among the military branches. Despite its intentions, the initiative has been perceived by the Indian Air Force and Navy as potentially imposing Army dominance, raising concerns about the impact on inter-service cooperation.

The initiative’s progress and potential risks are underscored by the untimely death of General Rawat in a helicopter crash on December 8, 2021, which also claimed the lives of his wife and 12 others. This incident occurred en route to a lecture at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, sparking speculation about its nature.

The announcement by General Dwivedi signifies a pivotal moment in India’s military strategy, emphasizing the initiative’s readiness for the next stages of government assessment.