Army Chief General Bipin Rawat (Photo| PTI) 
India

India looking to set up separate theatre command for J&K: CDS General Bipin Rawat

The air defence command is to be rolled out by the beginning of next year and the Peninsula command by the end of 2021, Gen Rawat told a select group of journalists.

From our online archive

NEW DELHI: India is looking at setting up a separate theatre command for Jammu and Kashmir, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat said on Monday.

The air defence command is to be rolled out by the beginning of next year and the Peninsula command by the end of 2021, Gen Rawat told a select group of journalists.

The Indian Air Force will helm the air defence command and all-long range missiles, as well as air defence assets, will come under it, he said.

"India is looking at setting up a separate theatre command for Jammu and Kashmir," Gen Rawat said.

Indian Navy's Eastern and Western commands will be integrated into the Peninsula command, he said.

India will also have a separate training and doctrinal command and logistics command, he said.

He also favoured a policy of staggered procurement of big-ticket purchases, including the acquisition of 114 fighter jets.

The Navy's demand for a third aircraft carrier will be considered after assessing the performance of indigenously-built aircraft carrier, he said.

General Rawat also said that submarines are a priority over aircraft carrier for the Navy.

India is looking at overseas bases for logistics, he added.

‘Everything is available in shops’: SC flags open sale of firecrackers in Delhi, asks Centre to ensure compliance

Indian seafarer killed as aerial object strikes cargo vessel off Oman coast, 13 rescued

‘Need a Navy that can fight, sustain and adapt without external dependencies’: Admiral Krishna Swaminathan

US midterm elections 2026: What's at stake and why the results matter

India, Israel vote against UN draft on regional arms control, New Delhi cites cross-border security concerns