Sat May 10 08:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Indian Army Chief Granted Powers to Mobilize Territorial Army Amidst Rising Tensions with Pakistan

**NEW DELHI, May 9, 2025** – The Indian government today granted the Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, sweeping new powers to mobilize the Territorial Army (TA). This decision comes in the wake of escalating tensions with Pakistan following Operation Sindhu, a series of targeted counter-terrorism strikes launched by India on May 7th.

The notification issued today empowers General Dwivedi to deploy TA personnel for two key purposes: providing essential security to strategic locations and critical infrastructure, and augmenting the regular army in times of war, natural disasters, or other emergencies.

The move is seen as a significant boost to national security, enhancing India’s preparedness for potential conflicts. The decision follows a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir on April 22nd, which claimed 26 lives, prompting Operation Sindhu-1. Subsequently, Pakistan attempted retaliatory drone and missile attacks on 15 Indian cities on the night of May 7-8, which were thwarted by Indian air defense systems.

The Territorial Army, a voluntary, part-time civilian force established in 1949, plays a crucial role in supporting the regular army. This expanded authority allows for quicker and more effective mobilization of TA personnel, enhancing the country’s overall defense capabilities. The increased integration of the TA is expected to bolster national security, improve civil-military cooperation, and offer additional manpower during emergencies. The government also highlighted the economic benefits, emphasizing that TA members receive regular pay and benefits, contributing to social and economic development.

Experts believe this decision is strategically important for several reasons: it enhances military preparedness amidst heightened tensions with Pakistan, strengthens civil-military integration, and provides a flexible reserve force for various contingencies. The potential role of the TA in ongoing operations like Operation Sindhu, particularly in securing strategic areas and providing support to regular forces, is significant.

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