NEW DELHI: In a significant escalation of military preparedness, the Indian Ministry of Defence has granted the Chief of the Army Staff expanded authority to mobilize the Territorial Army amid rising tensions with Pakistan. This move comes in the wake of recent military operations and a series of cross-border provocations that have heightened security concerns in the region.
Under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Rules 1948, the Chief of Army Staff can now summon all officers and enrolled personnel of the Territorial Army (TA) to provide essential security or to support regular army operations. A circular issued by the ministry outlined that the Chief of Army Staff is empowered to call upon every officer and every enrolled person of the TA for essential guard duties or to be embodied in support of the regular army.
The notification, dated May 6, 2025, indicates that 14 out of the existing 32 Infantry Battalions of the TA have been sanctioned for deployment across various commands, including the Southern Command, Eastern Command, Western Command, Central Command, Northern Command, South Western Command, Andaman and Nicobar Command, and the Army Training Command (ARTRAC). This embodiment will be contingent upon the availability of funds in the budget or reallocation of internal savings.
"The embodiment shall be ordered provided the funds are available in the budget or have been made available by reappropriation of the internal savings in the budget. For units embodied at the behest of ministries other than the Ministry of Defence, the cost will be debited to the respective ministries and will not be included in the budget allocation of the Ministry of Defence," the circular stated.
This decision follows the launch of 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7, 2025, which involved missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The Indian Armed Forces successfully neutralized threats from Pakistan, including a coordinated missile and drone attack on Indian military installations.
On the night of May 8-9, 2025, the Indian Army effectively repelled a large-scale drone attack involving over 50 drones, which were launched by Pakistan. Key military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur were targeted in this assault. The Indian Army's air defense systems were successfully deployed to intercept these threats, ensuring no casualties or material losses were reported.
In a statement, the Army confirmed that "drone attacks were effectively repulsed and a befitting reply was given to the ceasefire violations." This ongoing military engagement has underscored India's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, with the government vowing to respond with force to any nefarious designs.
The Territorial Army, which plays a vital role in national defense, disaster relief, and ecological preservation, comprises around 50,000 personnel. It includes both departmental units and non-departmental infantry and engineer battalions. This reserve force supports the Indian Army by handling non-combat duties and maintaining essential services, allowing regular forces to focus on frontline operations.
The recent military actions and the mobilization of the Territorial Army reflect India's proactive stance in addressing security threats posed by Pakistan. The government has emphasized that it remains fully prepared to defend its borders and ensure the safety of its citizens.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conducted a comprehensive review of the national security scenario with top military leadership, discussing every aspect of the evolving security situation. The meeting included senior officials such as Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan and Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi.
As tensions continue to escalate, the Indian government has urged civilians to remain vigilant and rely on official channels for accurate information. The Press Information Bureau's fact-checking team has been active in debunking misinformation circulating on social media, which includes false claims about military operations and security measures.
In light of these developments, the Indian government is determined to maintain a strong defense posture while addressing both external threats and internal security challenges. The mobilization of the Territorial Army is a crucial step in reinforcing the country’s military capabilities during this turbulent period.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that India is prepared to respond effectively to any further provocations from across the border, with an unwavering commitment to national security.
