How can lessons from Operation Sindoor improve the process of theaterisation in India’s armed forces?

Operation Sindoor was a recent tri-services military exercise aimed at testing jointness and operational readiness among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The exercise has offered valuable practical lessons for the ongoing process of theaterisation, which seeks to integrate the armed forces under unified theater commands for improved synergy and effectiveness.

• Enhanced Inter-Service Coordination: Operation Sindoor highlighted the importance of seamless communication and coordination among the three services. Lessons from the exercise can help refine joint command structures and standard operating procedures for better interoperability.
• Real-Time Decision Making: The exercise demonstrated the need for quicker decision-making processes in joint operations. Theaterisation can incorporate these insights by streamlining command hierarchies and reducing bureaucratic delays.
• Resource Sharing and Logistics: Practical challenges faced during Operation Sindoor, such as sharing logistics and resources, underline the necessity for integrated logistics planning in theater commands. This can lead to more efficient use of assets and manpower.
• Unified Training and Doctrines: The operation revealed gaps in joint training and doctrinal understanding. These can be addressed by developing unified training modules and operational doctrines under theater commands.
• Technology Integration: Operation Sindoor showed that integrating technology and information systems across services is crucial. Theaterisation can focus on creating common communication platforms and intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
• Flexibility in Tactical Planning: The exercise demonstrated the need for flexible and adaptive planning at the theater level. Lessons learned can help in designing theater commands that are capable of responding to diverse threats and dynamic situations.
• Leadership and Cultural Change: Joint operations like Operation Sindoor emphasize the importance of leadership that understands tri-service dynamics. Theaterisation can prioritize cross-service postings and leadership development to foster a joint culture.