Before theaterisation, need security strategy; can't put cart before horse: Ex-Army Chief Gen MM Naravane

The formulation of a national security strategy (NSS) and the setting up of a higher defence organisation that will act as an interface with the government is necessary before the armed forces can move ahead on creating theatre commands, former Army chief, Gen MM Naravane, who was central to the discussions on the theaterisation concept during his term in office, has said.

Delivering the Gen KV Krishna Rao Memorial lecture in the capital, the former Army chief said that the two pillars of a national security strategy (NSS) and a national defence strategy (NDS) are needed before moving towards creation of theatre commands.

"Only once these two pillars are in place -- NSS, NDS and a higher defence organisation -- can we start thinking about theatre commands. The charter of these and the role that they have to play, that has to come from the top," Naravane said.


He said theaterisation is a means to an end, which has to be clearly spelled out by the top leadership. "Unless there is an NSS in place, we just keep talking about theaterisation... it's just putting the cart before the horse," he said.

The former Army chief added that clarity is needed for the armed force to prepare for future battles and challenges. "We cannot on our own say we want to fight a two-front war. Has anyone said that or is it our own creation?" he added. Naravane said that once a strategy is in place, an interface will also be needed between the government and commanders on the ground. "With an NSS, we also need a higher defence organisation which has to reflect the whole of nation approach. It needs to give representation to all ministries. Within the strategy that is laid down, there may be other diplomatic and political considerations which will limit the freedom of action which is given to the theatre commanders," he said.