About

• An ITC is a unified military structure in which forces of the Army, Navy and Air Force are placed under a single operational commander for a defined geographical or functional theatre.
• It aims to improve jointness, coordination, resource utilisation and operational effectiveness.
• It facilitates multi-domain operations, integrating traditional warfare with space and cyberspace.

Evolution of Theatreisation

• Kargil Review Committee (1999): Highlighted deficiencies in higher defence management and inter-service coordination.
• Shekatkar Committee (2016): Recommended three theatre commands—Northern (Lucknow), Western (Jaipur) and Southern (Thiruvananthapuram)—with the Southern command having a maritime role.
• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): Created in 2019 to promote greater jointness and integration among the three Services.
• Department of Military Affairs (DMA): Created in 2020, with the CDS as its Secretary; its mandate includes facilitating restructuring of military commands and establishing joint/theatre commands.

Legal & Institutional Reforms

• Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Act, 2023: Enables commanders of Inter-Services Organisations to exercise command and disciplinary authority over personnel from different Services while retaining their respective Service conditions.Act came into force: 10 May 2024.
• Inter-Services Organisations Rules, 2025: Came into force on 27 May 2025, further strengthening joint command arrangements.
• 2025 – “Year of Defence Reforms”: Establishment of ITCs identified as a major reform objective.

Existing Tri-Service Commands in India

Andaman and Nicobar Command: Tri-Service Theatre Command – conducts integrated operations in a defined geographical area (Andaman & Nicobar).

Strategic Forces Command: Tri-Service Functional Command — handles a specific strategic function, primarily India’s nuclear/strategic forces, rather than a geographical theatre.