Territorial Army mobilisation | Chief of Army Staff Empowered | In a landmark decision reflecting India’s enhanced wartime readiness, the Ministry of Defence has empowered the Chief of the Army Staff to mobilise the entire Territorial Army (TA) for deployment and essential duties, amid rising cross-border hostilities with Pakistan. The move, formalised through a government notification dated May 6, 2025, comes as India faces increasing drone and missile attacks from across the Line of Control (LoC).
The notification, issued under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Rules, 1948, authorises the Indian Army Chief to call upon all officers and enrolled personnel of the TA, either for routine security duties or full military embodiment. The order will remain in force for three years—from February 10, 2025 to February 9, 2028—and will play a pivotal role in enhancing India’s defence posture along the northern and western frontiers.
Defence Ministry Activates 14 Territorial Army Battalions
Of the 32 existing Infantry Battalions of the Territorial Army, 14 have been approved for embodiment and deployment across all major commands of the Indian Army. These include the Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, South Western, Andaman and Nicobar Command, as well as the Army Training Command (ARTRAC).
The directive comes with a clear provision: all mobilisations are contingent upon the availability of budgetary allocations, and in cases where other ministries request deployment, the financial burden will be theirs to bear.
This unprecedented move signals New Delhi’s strategic preparedness in the face of sustained Pakistani aggression, which has intensified following India’s precision airstrikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor.
India Repels Massive Drone Attack from Pakistan
On the night of May 8-9, Indian armed forces repelled a large-scale drone attack by Pakistan, neutralising over 50 hostile UAVs attempting to target military installations in Udhampur, Samba, Jammu, Akhnoor, Nagrota, and Pathankot. The Indian Army launched a full-spectrum counter-drone operation using an array of air defence assets, including L-70 anti-aircraft guns, Zu-23mm guns, Schilka systems, and advanced counter-UAS equipment.
ALSO READ: Indian Army destroys Pakistan military post along LoC, watch video here
The Defence Ministry, in a statement, reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to defending its borders: “The threats were swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities. India remains fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people.”
Strategic Shift in India’s Military Posture
The mobilisation of the Territorial Army represents a strategic shift in India’s defence approach, prioritising rapid response and enhanced manpower during times of conflict. The decision also reinforces India’s resolve to counter all external threats with both conventional and unconventional force.
With the India-Pakistan conflict escalating, the Territorial Army—traditionally a reserve force composed of trained civilians—will now serve a frontline role alongside the regular Army. Defence experts say this move mirrors the operational doctrines of modern warfare, where asymmetric threats like drones, cyberattacks, and cross-border terrorism require a robust and distributed military response.
ALSO READ: Did Indian Navy attack Karachi Port? Here’s what we know so far
As the regional situation continues to evolve, India’s latest directive sends a clear message: national security is paramount, and the nation stands ready to meet any threat with full force and coordination.
