Integration of India's air and naval power is essential for safeguarding national interests and ensuring deterrence in the Indian Ocean Region, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan said on Tuesday.
Addressing a seminar on 'Synergising Air and Naval Forces: Enhancing Combat Power in the Indian Ocean Region', for which he was the chief guest, he stressed the critical need for effective military preparedness and vigilance in view of the evolving global security scenario.
He pointed out how technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and joint operational exercises will play a crucial role in enhancing India’s defence posture.
CDS Chauhan emphasised that India’s unique geographical location in the Indian Ocean Region makes the maritime domain a pivotal area of strategic interest.
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General Chauhan's comments came amid the government's plans to roll out integrated theatre commands as part of a transformative reform to bolster India's defence and combat prowess. The theaterisation model seeks to integrate the capabilities of the Army, the Air Force and the Navy and optimally utilise their resources for wars and operations. As per the plan, each of the theatre commands will have units of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force and all of them will work as a single entity to face security challenges in a specified geographical territory.
Currently, the three services have separate theatre commands.
The event reaffirmed the commitment of the Indian armed forces towards fostering inter-service cooperation and advancing India’s strategic posture in the Indian Ocean Region. It also served as a platform for defence professionals to exchange ideas and best practices aimed at ensuring robust maritime security.