Amid escalating tensions along the western border with Pakistan, the Government of India has taken a significant step by empowering the Chief of the Army Staff to mobilise all officers and enrolled personnel of the Territorial Army. The Ministry of Defence issued this directive under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Rules, 1948, authorising full deployment to reinforce the regular Army’s operational strength during the ongoing crisis.
As per the official notification dated May 6, 2025, 14 of the existing 32 Territorial Army Infantry Battalions have been approved for embodiment. These units will be deployed across various regional commands—including Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northern, South Western, Andaman and Nicobar Command, and the Army Training Command (ARTRAC)—to provide essential guard duties and combat support.
The directive stipulates that the embodiment of these units will be contingent on the availability of budgetary provisions. If deployed at the request of ministries other than Defence, the respective ministries will be responsible for covering the associated costs. This mobilisation order will remain in force for three years, from February 10, 2025, to February 9, 2028.
This move follows a sharp uptick in hostilities after Indian forces launched strikes on terror camps located within Pakistan. On the night of May 8–9, Indian security forces intercepted and neutralised over 50 drones attempting to cross into Indian territory, targeting areas such as Udhampur, Samba, Jammu, Akhnoor, Nagrota, and Pathankot.
In a swift retaliatory response, India also targeted multiple Pakistani air defence systems in cities including Lahore, after persistent ceasefire violations and attempted strikes on Indian military installations in over a dozen cities. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that threats were “swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities” and emphasised India’s unwavering commitment to protecting its sovereignty.
The decision to activate the Territorial Army in such a broad capacity is seen as a strategic measure to increase the Army’s operational depth and readiness during this prolonged period of military escalation.
