Letter from the Editor | November 2025

Looking back on the year as it comes to a close is only natural. On January 1, defence minister Rajnath Singh had declared 2025 to be the year of reforms, in which he had said that the Indian armed forces would be transformed into a ‘technologically-advanced combat-ready force.’ This was a bit ironical, given that the biggest military reform announced by the Modi government—Theatre Commands—still remains on the drawing board five years hence. The two main stakeholders, the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force have still not reached an agreement on the shape and scope of theatre commands.

The good news, however, is that the conversation continues. The recent spree was triggered by chief of air staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, who in an informal conversation during a seminar at Army War College in August told his interlocutor that the government must not push the armed forces into the theaterisation plan. He said that instead of picking any global model that may not be relevant in the Indian context, the government must consider setting up a joint planning and coordination centre under Chiefs of Staff Committee in Delhi and decentralise execution. He added, “We can start with this first, implement it and see how it pans out. If we need any more structure, we can think about it. But disrupting everything and making one structure now at this time, I do not think it is a good idea.”

Consequently, in the October issue of FORCE, director of Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies, AVM Anil Golani advised patience and caution in proceeding with the conceptualization of theatre commands. This month RAdm. Sudhir Pillai takes the conversation forward in a cover story, saying that caution should lead to clarity and not postponement of the decision until a future war demands it.

The other articles in the cover story ensemble looks at reforms in the way they should lead to transformation in thinking as well. Whether it is the concept of military training or the notion of victory in future wars, where narratives have the power of not only building perceptions but shaping the battlefield too.

This apart, the November issue reflects the geopolitical shifts, both in our neighbourhood and beyond. From US President Donald Trump’s assertion of conducting nuclear tests as ‘others are doing it’ to Saudi Arabia-Pakistan pact. In between is a commentary of Taliban’s foreign minister’s official visit to India, and deepening of India-France military industrial ties. Then there are FORCE regulars like books and news from the defence industry and services. On that note, enjoy the coziness of autumn before we roll into another year of sameness.