India Unveils Three Joint Doctrines to Modernize Armed Forces Strategy

In a significant move to modernize its defense strategy, India has released three comprehensive joint military doctrines aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational synergy among its armed forces. These doctrines—covering Special Forces (SF) operations, airborne and heliborne operations, and multi-domain warfare—were unveiled during the 'Ran Samwad 2025' seminar held at the Army War College in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, from August 26 to 27. The seminar, themed 'Impact of Technology on Warfare,' brought together military leaders and experts to discuss the evolving nature of combat in the 21st century.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan addresses the gathering during Ran Samvad 2025 at the Army War College. (ANI) | Hindustan Times

Special Forces Operations Doctrine

The Special Forces operations doctrine seeks to standardize terminologies, procedures, and training protocols across the Army's Para-SF, the Navy's Marine Commandos (MARCOS), and the Air Force's Garuds. A key recommendation is the transformation of existing Special Forces Training Schools into Joint Service Training Institutes (JSTIs), each serving as a Centre of Excellence for specific competencies. This approach aims to minimize duplication and enhance effectiveness without altering the command structure of the lead service.

Training focuses on joint operations involving night-time insertions, adverse weather conditions, electronic warfare, and the terminal guidance of precision-guided munitions. The doctrine emphasizes the need for interoperability through common standard operating procedures and integrated command structures, particularly under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) during joint missions.

Airborne and Heliborne Operations Doctrine

The airborne and heliborne operations doctrine outlines the strategic employment of air and helicopter-borne forces for rapid deployment and tactical superiority. It highlights the importance of seamless coordination among the three services to execute swift and decisive operations, leveraging air mobility to achieve strategic objectives.

Multi-Domain Operations Doctrine

The multi-domain operations doctrine addresses the complexities of modern warfare, which spans land, air, sea, space, and cyberspace domains. It advocates for a unified approach to operations, integrating capabilities across all domains to enhance combat effectiveness and adaptability in dynamic battle environments.

Strategic Significance

These doctrinal releases are part of India's broader defense reform agenda, which includes the creation of integrated theater commands and the implementation of the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act. The latter empowers the establishment of inter-services organizations and grants heads of such entities the authority to enforce discipline across the three services, thereby fostering a more cohesive and responsive military structure.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized that these doctrines are crucial for enhancing joint operational capabilities and ensuring readiness to meet emerging security challenges with precision and resolve. The integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and unmanned systems, is also being explored to bolster India's defense preparedness.

Conclusion

The release of these joint doctrines marks a significant step towards achieving greater interoperability and operational cohesion within India's armed forces. By aligning strategies across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, India aims to enhance its defense capabilities and readiness to address emerging security challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, Times of India, The Tribune India)