Minister stressed upon the significance of evolving a joint military vision to further enhance integration and synergy among the three Services, hence the creation of functional Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs).

• He also called upon for development in space and electronic warfare, with focus on increasing the use of latest advancements in AI.

About ITCs 

• ITCs is the integration of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force to operate jointly in specific adversary-based theatres with defined military goals during a limited conflict or war.
• It has been proposed by both the Kargil review committee as well as D B Shekatkar committee earlier.
• It would involve raising the China-centric northern theatre command in Lucknow,  Pakistan-centric western theatre command in Jaipur, and  maritime theatre command in Thiruvananthapuram.
  • Presently, the armed forces have 17 single-service commands (Army and Air Force: 7 each, Navy: 3)

Significance of ITCs

• Air, navy, and land forces all operate synergistically under one operational command. 
• Separate the ‘operational’ functions from the other administrative functions.
• Adapt the contours of future warfare and conduct of effect-based operations.

Challenges: Lack of national security doctrine towards jointness of services; absence of a common command, etc.