Image Source: Agencies

Aug 28, 2025: Regarding the proposed structure of "theatre commands," the military's top brass have developed a clear divide of opinion. Today, Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi argued in favor of "theatrization," and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Anil Chauhan acknowledged "dissonance" regarding the issue and promised that it would be resolved openly.

The development comes a day after Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the head of the IAF, warned against currently having theatre commands. The IAF Chief had suggested a different format for military coordination at the level of service chiefs during yesterday's "Ran Samwad," a two-day brainstorming seminar at the Army War College. Admiral Tripathi stated, in his speech today at the seminar, "The Navy is committed to theatrization as the ultimate goal." He stated that it was also committed to enhancing its combat and communication capabilities in conjunction with the Army and IAF. The term "theatrisation" is used in the military to describe the creation of a geographically distinct area of operations where a military commander is in charge and is in charge of all warfighting assets, including aircraft, helicopters, tanks, equipment, and personnel. "We are propelling forward with the goal of unified planning, having a common (operational) picture, and integrated operations," the Navy Chief declared. Among significant efforts being made were jointness and integration, he said.

The CDS, whose job it is to create the theater commands, played the role of the "peacemaker" during today's seminar's final day. General Chauhan stated, "If you have sensed some kind of dissonance, it is a good sign; let me assure you we will resolve it in the best interests of the nation." “it’s the openness to patiently listen to others with different points of view,” the CDS said, adding that the forces were prepared to listen to each other's point of view in the event of a disagreement. The CDS expressed confidence that disagreements could be discussed in a favorable setting. On January 1, 2020, Gen. Bipin Rawat was formally appointed to the position of CDS. Today, General Chauhan, who took over for General Rawat in September 2022, stated that "things need to move faster." “Be assured that we are doing our best,” General Chauhan said.

“We, for the time being, don't need any new structure (theatre commands) at the lower level,” the IAF Chief had stated yesterday. He asked the forces not to come under any pressure of creating structures.