In a powerful move to bolster India’s military response, the Central Government has officially authorised the Chief of Army Staff to mobilise all officers and personnel of the Territorial Army, either for guard duties or full embodiment alongside regular armed forces.
This directive, issued through a notification dated May 6, 2025, under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Rules, 1948, comes as tensions continue to simmer across India’s northern and western borders with Pakistan.
The Defence Ministry has granted the Army Chief sweeping powers to deploy 14 Infantry Battalions of the Territorial Army across every major Army command—from Northern and Western to Southern and even Andaman & Nicobar regions. However, this mobilisation will depend on budgetary availability, and if any ministry apart from Defence seeks deployment, they must bear the cost.
This order is effective for the next three years, until February 2028.
The development comes in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor—India’s precision airstrikes on terror camps inside Pakistan—and the recent drone warfare scare.
Just last night, over 50 drones launched from Pakistan attempted to breach Indian airspace, targeting at least 15 military installations. Locations like Udhampur, Jammu, Akhnoor, and Pathankot saw intense countermeasures.
India’s air defence forces acted swiftly, deploying L-70 and Zu-23 guns, Schilka platforms, and advanced counter-UAS systems. All threats were neutralised.
In a firm statement, the Defence Ministry reaffirmed India’s readiness and resolve to protect its sovereignty and the safety of its citizens, saying, ‘the nation is fully prepared for any challenge.’
