Kathmandu. Speaking at a webinar titled “Joint warfare by Indian armed forces,” Former Indian Army Chief (Retd.) General Deepak Kapoor has stated that the nation was falling behind other countries in furthering joint operations for the military.

The Tribune reports that the event was arranged by The Amity Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies, whereby several experienced officers had posited their views on the matter. (Retd.) Lieutenant General KM Seth had, for instance, noted that for the theatre commands that were recently proposed, to become an actuality, a “change in collective mindset of the forces” was needed.

It was reported late in October that India was planning to form five theatre commands, for China and Pakistan, each. It will be headed by the highly decorated and experienced Genral Bipin Rawat, the first Chief of the Defense Staff. The task will be to reorganize the three services – the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force (IAF)- under such commands by 2022.

General AS Lamba, the Former Vice-Chief Lt. (Retd.), had noted that “Theaterisation of commands is imperative to integrate resources of the three services for maximising impact in any war.” (Retd.) Gen Deepak Kapoor  commented that the People’s Republic Army (PLA ) has a single command facing India at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.

“On the other hand, India has seven commands—four of the Army and three of the IAF – facing China, said General Kapoor, adding that US, Russia, France and UK have done it long back. The Andaman Nicobar Command is an example of joint command on our side,” he further added.