In a significant development reflecting India’s heightened military readiness, the Ministry of Defence has empowered the Chief of the Army Staff to mobilise the entire Territorial Army (TA) for essential duties and deployment, as tensions continue to escalate along the northern and western borders with Pakistan.
The directive, issued through a notification dated May 6, under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Rules, 1948, grants the Army Chief the authority to call out any officer or enrolled personnel of the Territorial Army as needed, either for guard duties or for full embodiment to reinforce and support the regular armed forces.
This move comes at a time when India is facing increased cross-border hostilities, including missile and drone attacks launched from Pakistan.
The notification authorises the embodiment of 14 out of the 32 existing Infantry Battalions of the Territorial Army for deployment across all major Indian Army commands, including the Northern, Western, Eastern, Southern, Central, South Western, Andaman and Nicobar, and the Army Training Command (ARTRAC). However, the actual mobilisation will depend on available budgetary resources.
In instances where deployment is requested by ministries other than the Ministry of Defence, the financial burden will be borne by the respective requesting ministries. The order will remain effective for a period of three years, from February 10, 2025, to February 9, 2028.
The expansion of authority comes on the heels of India’s recent precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor.
Also Read: Pahalgam attack was first strike by Pakistan: India responds
On the night of May 8–9, India successfully repelled a coordinated Pakistani drone assault involving more than 50 drones aimed at at least 15 Indian military installations. Areas targeted in the attempted attack included Udhampur, Samba, Jammu, Akhnoor, Nagrota, and Pathankot.
The Indian Army mounted a swift and decisive counter-drone response, employing advanced air defence systems such as L-70 anti-aircraft guns, Zu-23mm weapons, Schilka platforms, and specialised counter-unmanned aerial system (UAS) technology to neutralise the threat.
In a statement following the incident, the Ministry of Defence reaffirmed India’s commitment to national security, asserting that the threats were neutralised using both kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities. The ministry further stated that India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its citizens.
The new order granting the Army Chief expanded powers is seen as a strategic measure to enable faster, more flexible military responses in an increasingly volatile security environment.
Also Read: Rajnath Singh reviews security with CDS, three service chiefs
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