A unit of the Sikh Regiment of the Territorial Army marches during Territorial Army Day. (File photo)
New Delhi: Amid escalating tensions with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, the Centre has empowered the Indian Army chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, to recall Territorial Army (TA) personnel for essential guard duties and regular support to the Army.
The notification, issued under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Rules, 1948, authorizes the deployment of 14 out of 32 TA battalions across the country. The defence ministry order dated May 6 details that these battalions will be deployed across Southern Command, Eastern Command, Western Command, Central Command, Northern Command, South Western Command, Andaman and Nicobar Command, and Army Training Command (ARTRAC).
Sources within the defence establishment told reporters that the directive will remain valid for three years, from February 10, 2025, to February 9, 2028. The deployment is contingent upon budgetary provisions or internal re-appropriations, with ministries other than defence bearing costs for units deployed at their request.
Pakistan’s Provocative Actions Continue
The move comes just hours after Indian forces successfully thwarted a major Pakistani offensive involving over 50 drones and missiles targeting 15 military installations along the western border. The coordinated attack occurred during the intervening night of May 8 and 9 and represents a significant escalation following India’s recent counterterror operation inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).
The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, convened a high-level security review at South Block earlier on Friday, attended by the chief of defence staff, General Anil Chauhan; Army chief, General Upendra Dwivedi; Navy chief, Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi; Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh; and the defence secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh.
A senior defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the meeting assessed the rapidly evolving security scenario along the India-Pakistan border in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror bases inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).
The ‘Terriers’: India’s Citizen Soldiers
The Territorial Army, affectionately known as the “Terriers”, represents India’s citizen-soldier force. Established through the Territorial Army Act of August 18, 1948 and formally inaugurated by C Rajagopalachari, India’s last governor general, on October 9, 1949, the TA has evolved into a crucial support system for regular forces.
With approximately 50,000 personnel currently serving, the TA comprises 65 departmental units affiliated with organizations like the Indian Railways, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, alongside non-departmental infantry battalions, ecological battalions, and engineer regiments.
The TA boasts a distinguished combat record, having participated in the 1962, 1965, and 1971 conflicts. Its units have served with distinction in Operations Pawan (Sri Lanka), Operation Rakshak (Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir), and Operation Bajrang and Operation Rhino (northeast).
“The Territorial Army has consistently proven its mettle when called upon, whether during external aggression or internal security challenges,” said Lieutenant General Satish Nambiar (retired), a defence analyst and former TA officer. “Their role in relieving regular forces from static duties and assisting civil administration during crises has been invaluable,” he said.
The force has earned numerous gallantry awards, including 1 Kirti Chakra, 5 Vir Chakras, 5 Shaurya Chakras, 74 Sena Medals, and 266 Chief of the Army Staff Commendation Cards. Many prominent Indians from various fields have proudly served in the TA, with 11 officers having been appointed as honorary ADCs to the president of India.
As tensions continue to simmer along the western border, the Territorial Army stands ready to augment regular forces, embodying the nation’s resolve to defend its sovereignty against all threats.
