View source for Indian Armed Forces

{{short description|Combined military forces of India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox national military
|name               = Indian Armed Forces
|native_name        = 
|image              = Armed_forces_logo.png
|image_size = 100
|caption           = Emblem of Indian Armed Forces
|image2               = Indian Armed Forces.svg
|image_size2 = 150
|caption2             = Flag of Indian Armed Forces
<!-- PLEASE DO ''not'' CHANGE THE ORDER OF PRECEDENCE HERE OR ELSEWHERE IN THE ARTICLE. Please read the talk page as to why -->
<!-- INDIAN COAST GUARD DOES NOT COME UNDER DEFINITION OF "INDIAN ARMED FORCES" or "INDIAN MILITARY". SEE-[[Talk:Indian Armed Forces/Archive 1#Is Indian Coast Guard a military force? No, Its not]] -->
|branches           = {{army|India}}
<br />{{navy|India}}<br />{{air force|India}}
<!-- INDIAN COAST GUARD DOES NOT COME UNDER DEFINITION OF "INDIAN ARMED FORCES" or "INDIAN MILITARY". SEE-[[Talk:Indian Armed Forces/Archive 1#Is Indian Coast Guard a military force? No, Its not]] -->
| headquarters      = [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]], [[Secretariat Building, New Delhi|South Block]], [[New Delhi]]
<!-- Leadership -->
|commander-in-chief = {{flagicon|India}} [[President of India|President]] [[Droupadi Murmu]]
|commander-in-chief_title=[[Commander in Chief#India|Supreme Commander]]
|chief minister     = {{flagicon|India}} [[Narendra Modi]]
|chief minister_title = [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]]
|minister           = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Ministry of Defence of India.svg|25px}} [[Rajnath Singh]]
{{Infobox |child = yes
| label1 = [[Defence Secretary of India|Defence Secretary]]
| data1 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Ministry of Defence of India.svg|25px}} Giridhar Aramane, [[Indian Administrative Service|IAS]]
}}
|minister_title     = [[Minister of Defence (India)|Minister of Defence]]
|commander          = {{Flagicon image|Flag of Chief of Defence Staff (India).svg|25px}} [[General (India)|General]] [[Anil Chauhan]]
|commander_title    = [[Chief of Defence Staff (India)|Chief of Defence Staff]]
<!-- Workforce -->
|age                = 18<ref name=ia-recruit>{{cite web|url=http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=zErLx/kOfcM=&ParentID=G+0mK8DeGyw=|title=Categories of Entry|publisher=Indian Army|access-date=23 August 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823010101/http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTemplete/frmTempSimple.aspx?MnId=zErLx%2FkOfcM%3D&ParentID=G+0mK8DeGyw%3D|archive-date=23 August 2011}}</ref>
|conscription       = No
|workforce_data     = 
|workforce_age      = 
|available          = 
|available_f        = 
|fit                = 
|fit_f              = 
|reaching           =23,116,044<ref>{{cite news |title=Manpower Reaching Military Age Annually (2020) |url=https://www.globalfirepower.com/manpower-reaching-military-age-annually.asp |access-date=19 June 2020 |work=Global Fire Power (GFP) |language=en}}</ref> 
|reaching_f         = 
|active             = 1,455,550<ref>{{harvnb|IISS|2021|p=259}}</ref>
|ranked             = 2nd 
|reserve            = 1,155,000<ref>{{harvnb|IISS|2021|p=259}}</ref> 
<!-- Financial --> 
|amount             = {{INRConvert|5.94|t|lk=r|year=2023}} (2023–24)<ref name=budget-2023>{{Cite web|author=Manoj Kumar|date=1 February 2023|title=India raises defence budget to $72.6 bln amid tensions with China |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-raises-defence-budget-726-bln-amid-tensions-with-china-2023-02-01/ |access-date=1 February 2023|work=[[Reuters]]|language=en}}</ref><br />([[List of countries by military expenditures|ranked 3rd]]) 
|percent_GDP        = 2% (2022–23)<ref name=budget-2023/>
<!-- Industrial --> 
|domestic_suppliers = {{hidden
|''List''
| headerstyle=background:#b0c4de
| style=text-align:center;| [[Munitions India Limited]] (MIL)<br />[[Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited]] (AVNL)<br />[[Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited]] (AWEIL)<br />[[Troop Comforts Limited]] (TCL)<br />[[Yantra India Limited]] (YIL)<br />[[India Optel Limited]] (IOL)<br />[[Gliders India Limited]] (GIL)<br />[[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL)<br />[[Bharat Electronics Limited]] (BEL)<br />[[Bharat Earth Movers Limited]] (BEML)<br />[[Bharat Dynamics Limited]] (BDL)<br />[[Mazagon Dock Limited|Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited]] (MDSL)<br />[[Goa Shipyard Limited]] (GSL)<br />[[Cochin Shipyard Limited]] (CSL)<br />[[Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers]] (GRSE)<br />[[Mishra Dhatu Nigam]] (MDN)<ref name="mod.nic.in">{{cite web |url=http://mod.nic.in/product&supp/welcome.html |title= Ministry of Defence, Govt of India|website=mod.nic.in |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120704170459/http://mod.nic.in/product%26supp/welcome.html |archive-date=4 July 2012}}</ref> }}
|foreign_suppliers  = {{flag|Russia}}<ref name="SIPRI"/><br/>{{flag|France}}<ref name="SIPRI">{{cite web|url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/html/export_values.php|website=[[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]]|title=India / Aircraft / Jianjiji / Fighter|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119012346/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/html/export_values.php|archive-date=19 January 2012|access-date=5 January 2012}}</ref><br />{{flag|Israel}}<ref name="SIPRI" /><br />{{flag|United States}}<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 January 2021|title=U.S. Security Cooperation With India|url=https://www.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-india/|website=[[Department of State]]}}</ref><br>''Historical'': {{unbulletedlist|{{USSR}}<ref>Chari, P. R. “Indo-Soviet Military Cooperation: A Review.” Asian Survey, vol. 19, no. 3, 1979, pp. 230–44. JSTOR, {{doi|10.2307/2643691}}. Accessed 26 January 2023.</ref><ref>Singh, S. Nihal. “Why India Goes to Moscow for Arms.” Asian Survey, vol. 24, no. 7, 1984, pp. 707–20. JSTOR, {{doi|10.2307/2644184}}. Accessed 26 January 2023.</ref>}}
| imports            = {{Currency|41.208 billion|USD|passthrough=yes|linked=no}} (2010–2021)<ref name="SIPRI_India"/>
| exports            = {{Currency|448 million|USD|passthrough=yes|linked=no}} (2010–2021)<ref name="SIPRI_India">{{cite web|url=https://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/values.php|title=TIV of arms imports/exports data for India, 2010-2021|date=7 February 2022|work=[[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]]}}</ref>
|history            = [[Military history of India]]<br />[[Presidency armies]]<br />[[British Indian Army]]<br />[[Royal Indian Navy]]<br />[[Royal Indian Air Force]]<br />[[Indian National Army]]<br />[[List of wars involving India|Wars involving India]]
|ranks              = [[Army ranks and insignia of India|Army]]<br />[[Naval ranks and insignia of India|Navy]]<br />[[Air Force ranks and insignia of India|Air Force]]
|country            = {{flag|India}}
}}

The '''Indian Armed Forces''' are the [[armed forces|military forces]] of the [[India|Republic of India]]. It consists of three professional uniformed services: the [[Indian Army]], [[Indian Navy]], and [[Indian Air Force]].<ref name="iaf1">—{{cite web|title=Indian Armed Forces |url=http://knowindia.gov.in/myindia/myindia_frame.php?id=6 |website=Know India Portal |publisher=NIC, GoI |access-date=17 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925101556/http://knowindia.gov.in/myindia/myindia_frame.php?id=6 |archive-date=25 September 2015 }}<br />—{{cite web|title=CIC Order|url=http://www.rti.india.gov.in/cic_decisions/CIC_LS_A_2010_001190_M_42637.pdf|website=Right to Information|publisher=CIC, GoI|access-date=17 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925104102/http://www.rti.india.gov.in/cic_decisions/CIC_LS_A_2010_001190_M_42637.pdf|archive-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> Additionally, the Indian Armed Forces are supported by the [[Central Armed Police Forces]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://reportmysignalpm.blogspot.com/2011/07/central-police-forces-and-state-armed.html |title=Report My Signal- Professional Matters: The Central Police Forces and State Armed Police |publisher=Reportmysignalpm.blogspot.com |date=12 July 2011 |access-date=17 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330232403/http://reportmysignalpm.blogspot.com/2011/07/central-police-forces-and-state-armed.html |archive-date=30 March 2012 }}</ref> [[Indian Coast Guard]] and [[Special Frontier Force]] and various [[Jointness and integration in the Indian military|inter-service commands and institutions]] such as the [[Strategic Forces Command]], the [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]] and the [[Ministry of Defence (India)#Integrated Defence Staff|Integrated Defence Staff]]. The [[President of India]] is the [[Commander-in-Chief|Supreme Commander]] of the Indian Armed Forces but  the executive authority and responsibility for national security is vested in the [[Prime Minister of India]] and their chosen [[Cabinet Committee on Security|Cabinet Ministers]].<ref name=majeed-roi-2>{{citation|last=Majeed|first=Akhtar|chapter=Republic of India|pages=180&ndash;207, 185|title=Constitutional Origins, Structure, and Change in Federal Countries|series=A Global Dialogue on Federalism, Volume I|editor1-last=Kincaid|editor1-first=John|editor2-last=Tarr|editor2-first=G. Alan|location=Montreal & Kingston|publisher=McGill-Queen's University Press for Forum of Federation and International Association of Centers for Federal Studies|year=2005|isbn=0-7735-2849-0|quote=...the executive authority is vested in the prime minister and in their Council of Ministers. (p. 185)}}</ref><ref name=dam-3>{{citation|last=Dam|first=Shubhankar|chapter=Executive|title=The Oxford Handbook of the Indian Constitution|editor1-last=Choudhry|editor1-first=Sujit|editor2-last=Khosla|editor2-first=Madhav|editor3-last=Mehta|editor3-first=Pratap Bhanu|location=Oxford and New York|page=307|year=2016|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-870489-8|quote=Executive power, ordinarily, is exercised by Prime Minister.}}</ref><ref name=nsingh-india>{{citation|last=Singh|first=Nirvikar|chapter=Holding India Together: The Role of Institutions of Federalism|editor1-last=Mishra|editor1-first=Ajit|editor2-last=Ray|editor2-first=Tridip|pages=300&ndash;323, 306|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2018|isbn=978-0-19-881255-5|title=Markets, Governance, and Institutions: In the Process of Economic Development}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ABOUT THE MINISTRY {{!}} Ministry of Defence |url=https://www.mod.gov.in/about--ministry |access-date=31 March 2022 |website=www.mod.gov.in}}</ref> The Indian Armed Forces are under the management of the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] of the [[Government of India]]. With strength of over 1.4&nbsp;million active personnel,<ref name="Press Information Bureau">{{Cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=(Release%2520ID%2520:148814)|title=Press Information Bureau|access-date=15 September 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915111743/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=%28Release%20ID%20%3A148814%29|archive-date=15 September 2016}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/20-sailor-shortage-in-navy-15-officer-posts-vacant-in-army-nirmala-sitharaman-tells-parliament-1616303.html|title=20% Sailor Shortage in Navy, 15% Officer Posts Vacant in Army, Nirmala Sitharaman Tells Parliament|work=News18|access-date=28 December 2017}}</ref> it is the [[List of countries by number of military and paramilitary personnel|world's second-largest military force]] and has the world's largest [[volunteer military|volunteer army.]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://inspire99.com/indian-army-largest-volunteer-army-in-the-world/|title=Indian Army : Largest Volunteer Army in The World|date=16 October 2014 |access-date=10 March 2023}}</ref> It also has the [[List of countries by military expenditures|third-largest defence budget]] in the world.<ref name=SIPRI-2019B>{{cite web | url=https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/fs_2020_04_milex_0_0.pdf |title=Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2019 |publisher=[[Stockholm International Peace Research Institute]] |first1=Nan |last1=Tian |first2=Aude |last2=Fleurant |first3=Alexandra |last3=Kuimova |first4=Pieter D. |last4=Wezeman |first5=Siemon T. |last5=Wezeman |date=27 April 2020 |access-date=27 April 2020}}</ref> The Global Firepower Index report lists it as the fourth most-powerful military.<ref>{{cite news |title=2020 Military Strength Ranking |url=https://www.globalfirepower.com/countries-listing.asp |access-date=18 June 2020 |work=Global Fire Power (GFP) |language=en}}</ref>

The Indian Armed Forces have been engaged in a number of major military operations, including: the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947|Indo-Pakistani wars of 1947]], [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965|1965]] and [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|1971]], the [[Portuguese-Indian War]], the [[Sino-Indian War]], the 1967 [[Chola incident|Cho La incident]], the [[1987 Sino-Indian skirmish]], the [[Kargil War]], and the [[Siachen conflict]] among others. India honours its armed forces and military personnel annually on [[Armed Forces Flag Day]], 7 December. Armed with the [[nuclear triad]],<ref name="India_triad">{{Cite web |title =Now, India has a nuclear triad |url =http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/now-india-has-a-nuclear-triad/article9231307.ece |website =The Hindu |access-date =17 October 2016 |url-status =live |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp |archive-date =24 September 2015 |df =dmy-all }}</ref> the Indian armed forces are steadily undergoing modernisation,<ref name="nytimes.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/|title=Breaking News, World News & Multimedia|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108144641/http://www.nytimes.com/|archive-date=8 January 2014}}</ref> with investments in areas such as [[F-INSAS|futuristic soldier systems]] and [[Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme|missile defence systems]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/06/18/MNRR11AJK9.DTL&type=science|work=The San Francisco Chronicle|title=India's army seeks military space program|first=Gavin|last=Rabinowitz|date=18 June 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321084758/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2008%2F06%2F18%2FMNRR11AJK9.DTL&type=science|archive-date=21 March 2012}}</ref><ref name="nytimes.com" />

The Department of Defence Production of the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] is responsible for the indigenous production of equipment used by the Indian Armed Forces. It comprises 16 [[List of public sector undertakings in India|Defence PSUs]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Defence Public Sector Undertakings {{!}} Department of Defence Production |url=https://www.ddpmod.gov.in/defencepublicsectorundertakin/defence-public-sector-undertakings |access-date=4 November 2022 |website=www.ddpmod.gov.in}}</ref> India remains one of the [[Arms industry#World's largest arms importers|largest importer of defence equipment]] with Russia, Israel, France and the United States being the top foreign suppliers of military equipment.<ref name="iaf2">—{{cite web|title=End of an era: Israel replaces Russia as India's top military supplier|url=http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2009/me_military0246_03_25.asp|work=World Tribune|access-date=18 March 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813204853/http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/WTARC/2009/me_military0246_03_25.asp|archive-date=13 August 2011}}<br />—{{cite web|title=Russia Competing to Remain India's Top Military Supplier|url=http://www.india-defence.com/reports-3750#|publisher=India Defence|access-date=18 March 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818181155/http://www.india-defence.com/reports-3750%23|archive-date=18 August 2017}}<br />—{{cite web|last=Cohen |first=Stephen and Sunil Dasgupta |title=Arms Sales for India |url=http://www.brookings.edu/articles/2011/03_india_cohen_dasgupta.aspx |publisher=Brookings Institution |access-date=18 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110309074634/http://www.brookings.edu/articles/2011/03_india_cohen_dasgupta.aspx |archive-date= 9 March 2011 }}</ref> The Government of India, as part of the [[Make in India]] initiative, seeks to indigenise manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports for defence.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Indigenisation in Defence|url=https://www.theindianhawk.com/2021/03/indigenisation-in-defence-indian.html|access-date=24 April 2021|website=Defence News: Indian Defence News, IDRW, Indian Armed Forces, Indian Army, Indian Navy, Air Force|date=2 March 2021 }}</ref>

== History ==
{{Main|Military history of India}}
India has one of the longest military histories, dating back several millennia. The first reference to armies is found in the [[Vedas]] as well as the epics ''[[Ramayana]]'' and ''[[Mahabaratha]]''. Classical Indian texts on archery in particular, and [[Indian martial arts|martial arts]] in general are known as [[Dhanurveda]].

=== Ancient to medieval era ===
[[File:War over the Buddha's Relics, South Gate, Stupa no. 1, Sanchi.jpg|thumb|left|Siege of [[Kushinagar]] the capital of the [[Malla (tribe)|Mallaka]]s by seven [[Mahajanapadas]]’ chiefs and their armies for the possession of relics of Buddha after his death in 4th century BCE. Depiction of the battle on [[Sanchi]] stupa railing ,1st century BCE.]]
[[Indian maritime history]] dates back 5,000 years.<ref>[http://india.gov.in/myindia/facts.php Interesting facts about India]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071206014250/http://india.gov.in/myindia/facts.php |date=6 December 2007 }} and [http://pubweb.cc.u-tokai.ac.jp/indus/english/2_5_01.html Maritime trade with the west] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611152017/http://pubweb.cc.u-tokai.ac.jp/indus/english/2_5_01.html |date=11 June 2008 }}</ref> The first tidal dock is believed to have been built at [[Lothal]] around 2300 BC during the [[Indus Valley civilisation]] period, near the present day port of [[Mangrol, Kathiawar|Mangrol]] on the Gujarat coast.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1345150.stm|title=SOUTH ASIA – Indian seabed hides ancient remains|website=bbc.co.uk|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430013122/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1345150.stm|archive-date=30 April 2008|date=22 May 2001}}</ref> The [[Rig Veda]] written around 1500 BC, credits Varuna with knowledge of the ocean routes and describes naval expeditions. There is reference to the side wings of a vessel called ''Plava'', which gives the ship stability in storm conditions. A compass, ''Matsya yantra'' was used for navigation in the fourth and fifth century AD. The earliest known reference to an organisation devoted to ships in ancient India is in the [[Mauryan Empire]] from the 4th century BC. Powerful militaries included those of the: [[Maurya Empire|Maurya]], [[Satavahana dynasty|Satavahana]], [[Chola Empire|Chola]], [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagara]], [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] and [[Maratha Empire|Maratha]] [[empire]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/history.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100310172325/http://indiannavy.nic.in/history.htm|url-status=dead|title=History of the Indian Navy|archive-date=10 March 2010|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref> Emperor [[Chandragupta Maurya]]'s mentor and advisor [[Chanakya]]'s ''[[Arthashastra]]'' devotes a full chapter on the state department of waterways under ''navadhyaksha'' ([[Sanskrit]] for [[Management|Superintendent]] of ships) {{Ref|Kautilya}}. The term, ''nava dvipantaragamanam'' (Sanskrit for "sailing to other lands by ships," i.e. exploration) appears in this book in addition to appearing in the Vedic text, ''Baudhayana Dharmashastra'' as the interpretation of the term, ''Samudrasamyanam''.

[[File:Mahratta pirates attacking the sloop 'Aurora', of the Bombay Marine, 1812; end of the action RMG BHC1085.tiff|thumb|left|A depiction of a [[Maratha Navy|Maratha]] naval attack in 1812 against the [[East India Company]]'s ship [[HCS Aurora (1809)|''Aurora'']].]]

Sea lanes between India and neighbouring lands were used for trade for many centuries, and are responsible for the widespread influence of Indian Culture on other societies. The [[Chola]]s excelled in foreign trade and maritime activity, extending their influence overseas to China and Southeast Asia. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Maratha and Kerala fleets were expanded, and became the most powerful Naval Forces in the subcontinent, defeating European navies at various times (''See the [[Battle of Colachel]]''). The fleet review of the Maratha navy, at which the ships ''Pal'' and ''Qalbat'' participated, took place at the Ratnagiri fort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://geocities.com/dakshina_kan_pa/art24/feb.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027173614/http://geocities.com/dakshina_kan_pa/art24/feb.htm|title=DKPA : Stamp Calendar – Stamps Issued by India in February 2001|archive-date=27 October 2009|website=geocities.com}}</ref> The [[Maratha]] [[Kanhoji Angre]], and [[Kunjali Marakkar]], the Naval chief of [[Saamoothiri]] were two notable naval chiefs of the period.

=== British India (1857 to 1947) ===
{{Main|Royal Indian Navy|Royal Indian Air Force|British Indian Army|Presidency armies}}
[[File:RML2.5inchMountaunGunAssembling1895.jpg|305px|thumb|A mountain artillery crew from the [[British Indian Army]] demonstrating assembly of the [[RML 2.5 inch Mountain Gun]], {{Circa|1895}}.]]

The Royal Indian Navy was first established by the British while much of India was under the control of the [[East India Company]]. In 1892, it became a maritime component as the Royal Indian Marine (RIM).

During [[World War I]] the Indian Army contributed a number of divisions and independent brigades to the European, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern theatres of war. One million Indian troops served overseas; 62,000 died and another 67,000 were wounded. In total, 74,187 Indian soldiers died during the war. It fought against the German Empire in German East Africa and on the [[Western Front (World War I)|Western Front]]. Indian divisions were also sent to Egypt, [[Gallipoli Campaign|Gallipoli]] and nearly 700,000 served in Mesopotamia against the [[Ottoman Empire]].
[[File:The British Army in Italy 1944 NA17069.jpg|thumb|Humber armoured cars of 10th Indian Division move forward in Italy, 22 July 1944.]]
Following WWI, the Indian Armed Forces underwent significant transformation. In 1928, Engineer [[Sub-lieutenant]] D. N. Mukherji became the first Indian to receive a commission in the Royal Indian Marine. In 1932, the Indian Air Force was established as an auxiliary air force within [[RAF India]]; two years later, the RIM was upgraded to the status of a naval service as the Royal Indian Navy (RIN).

Though the gradual "Indianisation" of the officer corps began after WWI, at the outbreak of war in 1939, there were no Indian flag, general or air officers in the armed services. The highest-ranking Indian officers were those serving in the non-combatant [[Indian Medical Service]], who held no rank higher than colonel; in the regular Indian Army, there were no Indian officers above the rank of major.<ref name="Indian_Army_List_39">{{cite book|title=Indian Army List for October 1939|publisher=Government of India Press|year=1939}}</ref> The [[Royal Indian Navy]] had no Indian senior [[line officer]]s and only a single Indian senior engineer officer,<ref name="The_Navy_List_39">{{cite book|pages=620–621|title=The Navy List for August 1939|publisher=HM Stationery Office|year=1939}}</ref> while the Indian Air Force had no Indian senior officers in 1939, with the highest-ranking Indian air force officer a [[flight lieutenant]].<ref name="The_Navy_List_39" /><ref name="The_Air_Force_List_39">{{cite book|pages=870–871|title=The Air Force List for August 1939|publisher=HM Stationery Office|year=1939}}</ref>

In [[World War II]], the Indian Army began the war in 1939 with just under 200,000 men. By the end of the war it had become the largest volunteer army in history, rising to over 2.5&nbsp;million men by August 1945.<ref name="bbc.co.uk">{{cite web|title=Colonies, Colonials and World War Two|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/colonies_colonials_01.shtml|access-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702084539/http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/colonies_colonials_01.shtml|archive-date=2 July 2012}}</ref> Serving in divisions of infantry, armour and a fledgling airborne forces, they fought on three continents in Africa, Europe and Asia. The Indian Army fought in Ethiopia against the Italian Army, in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia against both the Italian and German Army, and, after the Italian surrender, against the German Army in Italy. However, the bulk of the Indian Army was committed to fighting the Japanese Army, first during the British defeats in Malaya and the retreat from Burma to the Indian border; later, after resting and refitting for the victorious advance back into Burma, as part of the largest British Empire army ever formed. These campaigns cost the lives of over 36,000 Indian servicemen, while another 34,354 were wounded; 67,340 became prisoners of war. Their valour was recognised with the award of some 4,000 decorations, and 38 members of the Indian Army were awarded the [[Victoria Cross]] or the [[George Cross]].<ref name="bbc.co.uk" />
[[File:Air Ministry Second World War Official Collection CI75.jpg|thumb|Indian pilots of [[No. 1 Squadron IAF|No. 1 Squadron]] by a [[Hawker Hurricane]].]]
The demands of war and increasing recognition that the era of British dominance in the subcontinent was ending increased the pace of "Indianisation." In 1940, Subroto Mukherjee (later the first Indian C-in-C and Chief of the Air Staff) became the first Indian to command an air force squadron and attain the (albeit acting) rank of [[squadron leader]].<ref name="Air_Force_List_Jun40">{{cite book|pages=702|title=The Air Force List: June 1940|publisher=HM Stationery Office|year=1940}}</ref> In July 1941, Indian Medical Service officer [[Hiraji Cursetji]] became one of the first Indian officers to be promoted to substantive [[general officer]] rank.<ref name="Indian_Army_List_Jul42">{{cite book|pages=1933|title=Indian Army List for July 1942|publisher=Government of India Press|year=1942}}</ref> During the war, several Indian Army officers, notably [[Kodandera M. Cariappa]], [[S. M. Shrinagesh]] and [[Kodandera Subayya Thimayya]], all of whom would subsequently command the Indian Army, achieved distinction as the first Indian battalion and brigade commanders. On 1 May 1945, Cariappa became the first Indian officer to be promoted to brigadier.<ref>{{cite book|pages=132–A|title=The Quarterly Army List: December 1946 (Part I)|publisher=HM Stationery Office|year=1946}}</ref>
[[File:The Allied Occupation of Japan IND5225.jpg|thumb|[[HMIS Sutlej|HMIS ''Sutlej'']] leaves [[Hong Kong]] for [[Japan]] as part of the Allied forces of occupation.]]
At the end of hostilities in 1945, the Indian Army's officer corps included Indian Medical Service officer Hiraji Cursetji as its sole Indian major-general, one IMS brigadier, three Indian brigadiers in combatant arms and 220 other Indian officers in the temporary or acting ranks of colonel and lieutenant-colonel.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Officers For India: Beginning of Big Changes |work=The Times |date=30 May 1945 }}</ref> From October 1945, the granting of regular commissions in the Indian Armed Forces was restricted to Indians, though provisions were made for the continued secondment of British officers for as long as was deemed necessary.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=The Indian Forces: Gradual Elimination of European Officers |work=The Times |date=23 October 1945 }}</ref> In 1946, sailors of the [[Royal Indian Navy Mutiny|Royal Indian Navy mutinied]] on board ships and in shore establishments. A total of 78 ships, 20 shore establishments and 20,000 sailors were involved in the rebellion, which had an impact across India. Indianization of the armed forces nevertheless continued to progress. On 15 May 1947, Subroto Mukherjee became the first Indian [[air officer]] with the acting rank of [[air commodore]], in the appointment of Deputy Assistant to the Air Officer Commanding (Administration).<ref>{{cite web|title=First Indian Air Commodore - New Senior RIAF Appointments|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1947-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1947-05-09_227.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India – Archive|date=15 May 1947|access-date=28 August 2021}}</ref> On 21 July, [[H.M.S. Choudhry]] and [[Bhaskar Sadashiv Soman]], both of whom would eventually command the Pakistani and Indian Navies, respectively, became the first Indian Royal Indian Navy officers to be promoted to acting captain.<ref>{{cite web|title=Higher Ranks for Indian Officers of the R.I.N.|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1947-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1947-07-21_321.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive|date=21 July 1947|access-date=28 August 2021}}</ref> On 30 July, Brigadiers K.M. Cariappa, Muhammad Akbar Khan and Maharaj Shri [[Rajendrasinhji Jadeja]] were promoted [[Major general (India)|major-general]]s, the first Indian general officers in a combat arm of the Indian Army.<ref>{{cite web|title=Press Communique|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1947-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1947-07-30_330.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India – Archive|access-date=28 August 2021}}</ref>

=== Dominion of India (1947–1950) ===
[[File:Op Polo Surrender.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Major General]] [[Syed Ahmed El Edroos]] (at right) offers his surrender of the [[Hyderabad State]] Forces to [[Major General]] (later [[General]] and [[Chief of the Army Staff (India)|Army Chief]]) [[Joyanto Nath Chaudhuri]] at [[Secunderabad]]]]
The period immediately following Indian independence was a traumatic time for India and her armed services. Along with the newly independent India, the Indian Armed Forces were forcibly divided between India and Pakistan, with ships, divisions and aircraft allocated to the respective Dominions. Following partition, on 15 August 1947, the Indian Armed Forces comprised:

*The Royal Indian Navy (RIN): Four sloops, two frigates, 12 minesweepers, one corvette, one survey vessel, four armed trawlers, four motor minesweepers, four harbour defence launches and all landing craft of the pre-Independence RIN.<ref name="reconstitution">{{cite web|title=Reconstitution of the Armed Services|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1947-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1947-07-11_310.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India – Archive|date=11 July 1947|access-date=2 January 2021}}</ref>
*Indian Army: 15 infantry regiments, 12 armoured corps units, 18.5 artillery regiments and 61 engineer units.<ref name="reconstitution"/> Of the Nepalese Gorkha regiments formerly attached to the British Indian Army, the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th (Royal), 8th and 9th Gorkha Rifles remained in Indian service,<ref>{{cite web|title=Press Note|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1947-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1947-12-10_434.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India – Archive|date=10 December 1947|access-date=2 January 2021}}</ref> with the first and second battalions of the 2nd, 6th, 7th and 10th Gorkha Rifles placed in British Army service.<ref>{{cite web|title=Press Communique|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1947-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1947-08-08_342.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India – Archive|date=8 August 1947|access-date=2 January 2021}}</ref>
*The Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF): Seven fighter squadrons of [[Hawker Tempest]] II aircraft and one transport squadron of [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|Douglas Dakota III/IV]] aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|title=Press Communique|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1947-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1947-08-12_345.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India – Archive|date=12 August 1947|access-date=2 January 2021}}</ref>

By the end of 1947, there were a total of 13 Indian major-generals and 30 Indian brigadiers, with all three army commands being led by Indian officers by October 1948, at which time only 260 British officers remained in the new Indian Army as advisers or in posts requiring certain technical abilities.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Nationalization of Indian Army|work=The Times |date=27 October 1948 }}</ref> With effect from April 1948, the former Viceroy's Commissioned Officers (VCO) were re-designated Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO), the distinction between King's Commissioned Indian Officers (KCIO) and Indian Commissioned Officers (ICO) was abolished and Indian Other Ranks were re-designated as "other ranks."<ref>{{cite web|title=Press Note|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1948-JAN-JUNE-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1948-04-06_199.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India – Archive|date=6 April 1948|access-date=8 March 2020}}</ref>

During this period, the armed forces of India were involved in a number of significant military operations, notably the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947]] and [[Operation Polo]], the code name of a military operation in September 1948 where the Indian Armed Forces invaded the [[Hyderabad State|State of Hyderabad]], annexing the state into the Indian Union. On 15 January 1949, General [[K. M. Cariappa]] was appointed the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian army.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Singh |first1=Vijay Kumar |title=Leadership in the Indian Army: Biographies of Twelve Soldiers |publisher=SAGE |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-7619-3322-9 |author-link=V. K. Singh}}</ref> In February 1949, the Indian government repealed colonial-era legislation which mandated limits on the recruitment of certain ethnic groups into the armed forces.<ref>{{cite web|title=No More Class Composition in Indian Army|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1949-JAN-DEC-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1949-02-01_035.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India – Archive|date=1 February 1949|access-date=16 February 2020}}</ref>

=== Republic of India (1950 to present) ===
{{Main|Military operations of India}}

Upon India becoming a sovereign republic on 26 January 1950, some of the last vestiges of British rule – such as rank badges, imperial crowns, British ensigns and "Royal" monikers – were dropped and replaced with the Indian tricolour and the [[Lion Capital of Asoka]].<ref name="insignia">{{cite web|title=New Designs of Crests and Badges in the Services|url=http://pib.nic.in/archive/docs/DVD_38/ACC%20NO%20807-BR/HOM-1950-01-06_484.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India – Archive|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808193914/http://pib.nic.in/archive/docs/DVD_38/ACC%20NO%20807-BR/HOM-1950-01-06_484.pdf|archive-date=8 August 2017}}</ref> On 1 April 1951, the remaining units of [[Imperial Service Troops]] of the former princely states were integrated with the regular Indian Army, though only a percentage of the former princely states forces were found capable enough to be retained in active service.<ref>{{cite web|title=Integration of States Forces|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1951-JAN-DEC-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1951-03-31_056.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India – Archive|date=31 March 1951|access-date=3 January 2021}}</ref> While India had become a republic, British officers seconded from the [[British Armed Forces]] continued to hold senior positions in the Indian Armed Forces into the early 1960s. On 1 April 1954, [[Air Marshal]] [[Subroto Mukherjee]] became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force. Effective from 1 April 1955, a Parliamentary Act, the ''Commanders-In-Chiefs (Change in Designation) Act'', re-designated the office of Commander-in-Chief as the Chief of Staff of each branch. Not until 1958 would the last British chief of staff that of the Indian Navy, be succeeded by an Indian. On 22 April of that year, Vice Admiral [[Ram Dass Katari]] became the first Indian Chief of Naval Staff. The Chiefs of Staff of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy were upgraded to four-star rank on par with the Chief of Army Staff in 1966 and 1968, respectively.

In 1961 tensions rose between [[India]] and [[Estado Novo (Portugal)|Portugal]] over the [[Portuguese India|Portuguese-occupied]] territory of [[Goa]], which India claimed for itself. After Portuguese police cracked down violently on a peaceful, unarmed demonstration for union with India, the Indian government decided to invade and initiated [[Operation Vijay (1961)|Operation Vijay]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 December 2017|title=On This Day In 1961, Here's How India Liberated Goa From 450-Year-Old Portuguese Rule|url=https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/on-this-day-in-1961-here-s-how-india-liberated-goa-from-450-year-old-portuguese-rule-335926.html|access-date=24 April 2021|website=IndiaTimes|language=en-IN}}</ref> A lopsided air, sea, and ground campaign resulted in the speedy surrender of Portuguese forces. Within 36 hours, 451 years of Portuguese colonial rule ended, and Goa was annexed by India.

[[File:1971 Instrument of Surrender.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|300px|[[Pakistan]]'s Lt. Gen. [[A. A. K. Niazi]] signing the [[Pakistani Instrument of Surrender|instrument of surrender]] in [[Dhaka]] on 16 Dec' 1971, in the presence of India's [[Jagjit Singh Aurora|Lt. Gen. J.S. Aurora]]. Standing behind them are officers of India's Army, Navy and Air Force. The [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|1971 War]] directly involved participation of all three arms of Indian Armed Forces.]]

India fought [[India Pakistan wars and conflicts|four major wars]] with its neighbour [[Pakistan]] in [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947|1947]], [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965|1965]], [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|1971]] and [[Kargil War|1999]], and with [[China]] in [[Sino-Indian War|1962]] and [[Nathu La and Cho La clashes|1967]]. Indian victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, helped create the [[Bangladesh|free country of Bangladesh]]. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Pakistan began organising tourist expeditions to the [[Siachen Glacier]], disputed territory with India. Irked by this development, in April 1984 India initiated the successful [[Operation Meghdoot]] during which it gained control over all of the 70-kilometre (41-mile)-long Siachen Glacier, and all of its tributary glaciers, as well as the three main passes of the [[Saltoro Mountains|Saltoro Ridge]] immediately west of the glacier—[[Sia La]], [[Bilafond La]], and [[Gyong La]].<ref name=Wirsing>{{cite book |last = Wirsing |first = Robert |title = Pakistan's security under Zia, 1977–1988: the policy imperatives of a peripheral Asian state |publisher = Palgrave Macmillan, 1991 |isbn = 978-0-312-06067-1|date = 15 November 1991 }}</ref><ref name=Child>{{cite book |last = Child |first = Greg |title = Thin air: encounters in the Himalayas |publisher = The Mountaineers Books, 1998 |isbn = 978-0-89886-588-2 |year = 1998 |url-access = registration |url = https://archive.org/details/thinairencounter00chil }}</ref> According to [[TIME magazine|''TIME'' magazine]], India gained more than {{convert|1000|sqmi|km2|sigfig=1}} of territory as a result of its military operations in Siachen.<ref name=":1">{{cite magazine | url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,958254-2,00.html | magazine=Time | title=The Himalayas War at the Top Of the World | date=31 July 1989 | first=Edward W. | last=Desmond/Kashmir | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114104526/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C958254-2%2C00.html | archive-date=14 January 2009 | df=dmy-all }}</ref> In 1987 and in 1989 Pakistan attempted to re-take the glacier but was unsuccessful. The conflict ended with Indian Victory.<ref name=Kapur>{{cite book|last=Kapur|first=S. Paul|title=Dangerous Deterrent: Nuclear Weapons Proliferation and Conflict in South Asia|publisher=Stanford University Press|isbn=978-0-8047-5550-4|page=118|year=2007}}</ref> Since 2003, the two sides have maintained a ceasefire and with "[[cold peace]]".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cold Peace between India and Pakistan - NEXT |url=https://www.nextias.com/current-affairs/08-11-2022/cold-peace-between-india-and-pakistan |access-date=3 July 2023 |website=NextIAS |language=en}}</ref>

The [[Indian Peace Keeping Force]] (IPKF) carried out a mission in northern and eastern Sri Lanka in 1987–1990 to disarm the [[LTTE|Tamil Tigers]] under the terms of the [[Indo-Sri Lanka Accord]].<ref name=iclq>{{Cite journal|title=Ethnic Politics and Constitutional Reform: The Indo-Sri Lankan Accord|first=M. L.|last=Marasinghe|date=9 July 1988|journal=International & Comparative Law Quarterly|volume=37|issue=3|pages=551–587|doi=10.1093/iclqaj/37.3.551}}</ref> It was a difficult battle for the Indian Army, which was not trained for an unconventional war. After losing approximately 1,200 personnel and several [[T-72]] tanks, India ultimately abandoned the mission in consultation with the Sri Lankan government. In what was labelled as [[Operation Pawan]], the Indian Air Force flew about 70,000 sorties to and within Sri Lanka.

The beginning of the 21st century saw a reorientation for India on the global stage from a regional role in the subcontinent to a major role in the Indian Ocean stretching from the [[Gulf of Aden]] to the [[Malacca Strait]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1111004/jsp/nation/story_14586060.jsp|title=Military to expand strategic footprint Rejig to guard India interests|website=The Telegraph|location=Kolkota|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007031445/http://telegraphindia.com/1111004/jsp/nation/story_14586060.jsp|archive-date=7 October 2011}}</ref> India's sphere of influence has surpassed the [[South Asian subcontinent]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Need for Holistic Restructuring of the Indian Military {{!}} Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses |url=https://www.idsa.in/jds/2_1_2008_NeedforHolisticRestructuringoftheIndianMilitary_VOberoi |access-date=3 July 2023 |website=www.idsa.in}}</ref> and it has emerged as a regional power and "net security provider" in the [[Indo-Pacific]] region.<ref>{{Citation |last=Hall |first=Ian |title=National Power and Regional Security |date=25 September 2019 |url=https://bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/display/book/9781529204612/ch007.xml |work=Modi and the Reinvention of Indian Foreign Policy |pages=125–146 |access-date=3 July 2023 |publisher=Bristol University Press |language=en |isbn=978-1-5292-0461-2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=29 November 2022 |title=India has emerged as a regional power and net security provider in the Indo-Pacific: Defence Minister |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-has-emerged-as-a-regional-power-and-net-security-provider-in-the-indo-pacific-defence-minister/article66201456.ece |access-date=3 July 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

== Overview ==
The headquarters of the Indian Armed Forces is in [[New Delhi]], the capital city of India. The [[President of India]] serves as the formal Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://presidentofindia.nic.in/about.htm|title=About – The President of India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405170925/http://www.presidentofindia.nic.in/about.htm|archive-date=5 April 2016|access-date=8 March 2016}}</ref> while actual control lies with the executive headed by the [[Prime Minister of India]]. The [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD) is the [[Council of Ministers of the Republic of India|ministry]] charged with the responsibilities of countering insurgency and ensuring external security of India. [[General]] [[Manoj Pande]] is the [[Chief of the Army Staff (India)|Chief of the Army Staff]] (COAS), [[Admiral (India)|Admiral]] [[R. Hari Kumar|R.Hari Kumar]] is the [[Chief of the Naval Staff (India)|Chief of the Naval Staff]] (CNS) and [[Air Chief Marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]] [[Vivek Ram Chaudhari|Vivek Ram Choudhari]] is the [[Chief of Air Staff (India)|Chief of the Air Staff]] (CAS).<ref>{{cite web |title=Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC Assumes Command of the Indian Navy as 24th Chief of the Naval Staff {{!}} Indian Navy |url=https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/admiral-karambir-singh-pvsm-avsm-adc-assumes-command-indian-navy-24th-chief-naval-staff |website=www.indiannavy.nic.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=AIR CHIEF MARSHAL RKS BHADAURIA TAKES OVER AS THE 26TH CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF {{!}} Indian Air Force {{!}} Government of India |url=https://indianairforce.nic.in/content/air-chief-marshal-rks-bhadauria-takes-over-26th-chief-air-staff |website=indianairforce.nic.in}}</ref>

The Indian armed force are split into different groups based on their region of operation. The Indian Army is divided administratively into seven tactical commands, each under the control of different [[Lieutenant General]]s. The Indian Air Force is divided into five operational and two functional [[Command (military formation)|commands]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Indian Air Force Today|url=http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=13|access-date=2 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921003625/http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=13|archive-date=21 September 2013}}</ref> Each command is headed by an air officer commanding-in-chief with the rank of air marshal. The Indian Navy operates three [[Command (military formation)|commands]]. Each command is headed by a [[Flag Officer|flag officer commanding-in-chief]] with the rank of [[vice admiral]]. There are two joint commands whose head can belong to any of the three services. These are the [[Strategic Forces Command]] and the [[Andaman and Nicobar Command]]. The lack of an overall military commander has helped keep the Indian Armed Forces under civilian control, and has prevented the rise of military dictatorships unlike in [[Military coups in Pakistan|neighbouring Pakistan]].<ref name="Economist">{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21574458-india-poised-become-one-four-largest-military-powers-world-end?spc=scode&spv=xm&ah=9d7f7ab945510a56fa6d37c30b6f1709|title=Know your own strength|newspaper=The Economist|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402083831/http://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21574458-india-poised-become-one-four-largest-military-powers-world-end?spc=scode&spv=xm&ah=9d7f7ab945510a56fa6d37c30b6f1709|archive-date=2 April 2013|date=30 March 2013}}</ref>
[[File:Indian Ministry of Defence-1.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Secretariat Building, New Delhi|South Block]] in [[New Delhi]] is the headquarters of the Ministry of Defence.]]

The Armed Forces have four main tasks;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slideshare.net/amitabha.ghosh/redoctrinisation-of-the-indian-armed-forces |title=Redoctrinisation of the Indian Armed Forces |publisher=Slideshare.net |access-date=1 August 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091128214946/http://www.slideshare.net/amitabha.ghosh/redoctrinisation-of-the-indian-armed-forces |archive-date=28 November 2009 |date=16 July 2009 }}</ref>
* To assert the territorial integrity of India.
* To defend the country if [[Offensive (military)|attacked]] by a foreign nation.
* To support the civil community in case of disasters (e.g. flooding).
* To participate in [[United Nations]] peacekeeping operations in consonance with India's commitment to the United Nations Charter.
The code of conduct of the Indian military is detailed in a semi-official book called ''Customs and Etiquette in the Services'', written by retired Major General Ravi Arora, which details how Indian personnel are expected to conduct themselves generally.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=30827| title=Book on Customs & Etiquettes in the Services Released| publisher=Press Information Bureau, Government of India| date=3 September 2007| access-date=10 March 2011| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117183848/http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=30827| archive-date=17 January 2016| df=dmy-all}}</ref> Arora is an executive editor of the ''[[Indian Military Review]]''.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.idyb.com/imr/about_us.php| title=About Us| publisher=Indian Military Review| access-date=10 March 2011| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713003215/http://www.idyb.com/imr/about_us.php| archive-date=13 July 2011| df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The major deployments of the Indian army constitute the border regions of India, particularly [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]], [[Ladakh]], and [[Northeast India]], to engage in counter-insurgency and anti-terrorist operations. The major commitments of the Indian Navy constitute patrol missions, [[Piracy in Somalia|anti-piracy operations]] off the coast of [[Somalia]], the 'Singapore Indian Maritime Bilateral Exercise' with the [[Republic of Singapore Navy]] in the [[Straits of Malacca]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=48363|title=Press Information Bureau|website=pib.nic.in|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512173033/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=48363|archive-date=12 May 2013}}</ref> maintaining a military presence in [[Southeast Asia]]s waters, and joint exercises with other countries, such as: Brasil, South Africa,<ref>[http://www.idsa.in/idsastrategiccomments/IndiaBrazilSouthAfricaTangoatSea_GSKhurana_160508 India-Brasil-South Africa ‘Tango’ at Sea | Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721163150/http://www.idsa.in/idsastrategiccomments/IndiaBrazilSouthAfricaTangoatSea_GSKhurana_160508 |date=21 July 2011 }}. Idsa.in (16 May 2008). Retrieved 6 January 2012.</ref> the United States and Japan,<ref>Anil K. Joseph [https://web.archive.org/web/20071014181818/http://tribuneindia.com/2007/20070417/main8.htm Indian Navy holds joint drills with top naval powers]. ''The Tribune''. 17 April 2007</ref> France ([[Varuna naval exercises]]), the People's Republic of China,<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200903201879.htm India to take part in China's International Fleet Review] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101116043252/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/000200903201879.htm |date=16 November 2010 }}. ''The Hindu''. (20 March 2009). Retrieved 6 January 2012.</ref> the [[Russian Navy]] ([[INDRA naval exercises]]), and others.
[[File:Top ten military expenditures in US$ Bn. in 2014, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies.PNG|thumb|300px|Top ten military expenditures in US$ Bn. in 2014, according to the [[International Institute for Strategic Studies]].]]

Between April 2015 and March 2016, India allocated $40&nbsp;billion to Defence Services, $10&nbsp;billion to Defence (Civil Estimates) and another $10&nbsp;billion to the Home Ministry for [[Paramilitary forces of India|Paramilitary]] and [[Central Armed Police Forces|CAPF]] forces – a total allocation for defence and security of about $60&nbsp;billion for the financial year 2015–16.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rupe-india.org/61/rising.html|title=Aspects of India's Economy Remembering Socialist China, 1949–1976|website=rupe-india.org|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiabudget.nic.in/ub2015-16/eb/stat02.pdf|title=Indian Expenditure Budget Vol. I, 2015–2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318162819/http://indiabudget.nic.in/ub2015-16/eb/stat02.pdf|archive-date=18 March 2015|access-date=16 June 2015}}</ref> In 2016–17, the contribution to the Home Ministry has been increased from $10&nbsp;billion to $11.5&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livemint.com/Politics/rpELLMPvJG0oVf6bLWnlGN/Union-Budget-201617-MHA-gets-Rs7738312-crore-a-2456-h.html|title=Union Budget 2016–17: MHA gets Rs 77,383.12 crore, a 24.56% hike|last=PTI|date=29 February 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719042112/http://www.livemint.com/Politics/rpELLMPvJG0oVf6bLWnlGN/Union-Budget-201617-MHA-gets-Rs7738312-crore-a-2456-h.html|archive-date=19 July 2016}}</ref>

Contemporary criticism of the Indian military have drawn attention to several issues, such as lack of political reform,<ref name="Cohen">Cohen, Stephen P. and Sunil Dasgupta, [http://www.brookings.edu/papers/2010/09_india_cohen_dasgupta.aspx "The Drag on India's Military Growth"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223192202/http://www.brookings.edu/papers/2010/09_india_cohen_dasgupta.aspx |date=23 December 2010 }}, [http://www.brookings.edu/ The Brookings Institution] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060210001401/https://www.brookings.edu/ |date=10 February 2006 }}, September 2010.</ref> obsolete equipment,<ref name="afp">{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gdFSFPrb5Joog62Xna7seGc5h2og?docId=CNG.78ebb96f24b87291c30fc84ff624c48a.8f1|title=India's military weakness|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614130735/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gdFSFPrb5Joog62Xna7seGc5h2og?docId=CNG.78ebb96f24b87291c30fc84ff624c48a.8f1|archive-date=14 June 2013}}</ref> lack of adequate ammunition,<ref name="afp" /> and inadequate [[research and development]] due to over-reliance on foreign imports.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sarkaritel.com/defence-budget-high-on-rhetoric-weak-in-modernising|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025221333/http://www.sarkaritel.com/defence-budget-high-on-rhetoric-weak-in-modernising|url-status=dead|title=Defence Budget: HIGH ON RHETORIC, WEAK IN MODERNISING|archive-date=25 October 2012|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref> In addition, the lack of a 'strategic culture' among the [[Politics of India|political class in India]] is claimed to have hindered the effectiveness of the Indian military.<ref name="Economist" /> Critics believe these issues hobble the progress and modernisation of the military. However, analysis by the [[Central Intelligence Agency]] indicates that India is projected to have the fourth most capable concentration of power by 2015.<ref>[http://www.nwc.navy.mil/press/Review/2006/spring/art3-sp06.htm INDIA IN THE INDIAN OCEAN by Donald L. Berlin] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061212011148/http://www.nwc.navy.mil/press/Review/2006/spring/art3-sp06.htm |date=12 December 2006 }} Naval War College Review, Spring 2006, Vol. 59, No. 2</ref>{{update inline|date=June 2017}} According to a report published by the [[US Congress]], India is the developing world's leading arms purchaser.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4237578.stm|work=BBC News|title=India's navy in .8bn sub deal|date=12 September 2005|access-date=5 May 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110127103903/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4237578.stm|archive-date=27 January 2011}}</ref> It is investing {{INRConvert|99.7|b|1}} to build a dedicated and secure [[optical fibre cable]] (OFC) network for exclusive use of the Army, Navy and Air Force. This will be one of the world's largest closed user group (CUG) networks.<ref>{{cite web|author=Shalini Singh |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-08-22/india/28157805_1_ofc-telecom-network-defence-forces |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811135457/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-08-22/india/28157805_1_ofc-telecom-network-defence-forces |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 August 2011 |title=Govt plans Rs 10,000cr dedicated telecom network for armed forces&nbsp;– India |date=22 August 2009 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=1 August 2010}}</ref>

=== Personnel ===
{{Update|section|date=June 2017}}
During 2010, the Indian Armed Forces had a reported strength of 1.4&nbsp;million active personnel and 2.1&nbsp;million reserve personnel. In addition, there were approximately 1.3&nbsp;million paramilitary personnel, making it one of the [[List of countries by size of armed forces|world's largest military forces]].<ref name="IISS 2010, pp. 358">{{harvnb|IISS|2010|pp=358}}</ref> A total of 1,567,390 ex- servicemen are registered with the Indian Army, the majority of them hailing from: Uttar Pradesh (271,928), Punjab (191,702), Haryana (165,702), Maharashtra (143,951), Kerala (127,920), Tamil Nadu (103,156), Rajasthan (100,592) and Himachal Pradesh (78,321). Many of them are re-employed in various Central government sectors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mod.nic.in/reports/report01/cap11.pdf|title=Resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322014718/http://mod.nic.in/reports/report01/cap11.pdf|archive-date=22 March 2012}}</ref> 
[[File:Equivalent-ranks-of-the-Indian-Armed-Forces.jpg|thumb|Picture showing equivalent ranks and insignia of Indian Armed Forces. (click to enlarge)|298x298px]]
{{Equivalent ranks of Indian military|state=expanded}}
The highest wartime gallantry award given by the Military of India is the [[Param Vir Chakra]] (PVC), followed by the [[Maha Vir Chakra]] (MVC) and the [[Vir Chakra]] (VrC). Its peacetime equivalent is the [[Ashoka Chakra Award]]. The highest decoration for meritorious service is the [[Param Vishisht Seva Medal]].

==== Women in the armed forces ====
{{See|Women in Indian Armed Forces}}
As of December 2021, the percentages of women serving across all ranks in the Army, Navy and Air Force are 0.59%, 6.0% and 1.08%, respectively. Women may serve at any rank in the Army and Air Force, but may only serve in the Navy as commissioned officers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Representation of Women In Defence Forces|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1780096|website=Press Information Bureau of India|date=15 August 2021|accessdate=11 December 2021}}</ref>

During the [[British Raj]], the Temporary Indian Nursing Service was established in 1914 to meet the nursing needs of Indian soldiers serving in the First World War, with female Indian nurses serving as military auxiliaries. The Indian Military Nursing Service (MNS) was formed on 1 October 1926, with its officers integrated into the armed forces on 15 September 1943 and given the status of commissioned officers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Military Nursing Service Day|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1998-JULY-DEC-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1998-09-30_177.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive|date=30 September 1998|access-date=11 December 2021}}</ref> Following Independence, apart from those serving in the MNS, women remained ineligible for regular commissions in the armed forces until 1 November 1958, when the restriction on granting permanent commissions to women was removed for those joining the Army Medical Corps.<ref name="permanent">{{cite web|title=Permanent Commissions for Women Doctors in the Army|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1958-JULY-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1958-10-29_165.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive|date=29 October 1958|access-date=11 December 2021}}</ref> In 1961, Dr. Barbara Ghosh became the first female medical officer to be granted a permanent naval commission.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Navy's First Lady Commander|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1976-JAN-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1976-10-23_242.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive|date=22 October 1976|access-date=11 December 2021}}</ref> On 27 August 1976, Gertrude Alice Ram, the military nursing service Matron-in-Chief, became the first woman officer in the Indian Army to attain the rank of [[Major general (India)|major-general]], and the first female officer in the Indian Armed Forces to attain [[two-star rank]].<ref>{{cite web|title=India's First Woman General|url=http://pibarchive.nic.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1976-JAN-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1976-08-30_194.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive|date=30 August 1976|access-date=11 December 2021}}</ref>

In January 1992, the Union government sanctioned the induction of women into non-combatant branches of the Army while holding short-service commissions.<ref name="TNIE">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=16 February 2020 |title=Army looks at change to accommodate women |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/feb/18/army-looks-at-change-to-accommodate-women-2104963.html |work=The New Indian Express |location= |access-date=11 December 2021}}</ref> On 28 November 1992, the Indian Navy became the first armed force to commission women on short-service commissions in non-medical streams (Education, Logistics and Naval Law).<ref>{{cite web|title=First Batch of Navy Women to Pass Out|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1992-JAN-DEC-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1992-11-27_285.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive|date=27 November 1992|access-date=11 December 2021}}</ref> The Air Force approved the induction of women officers for ground duties in 1992, with those officers receiving their commissions on 1 June 1993, and opened the flying (non-fighter) and technical branches to women the same year,<ref>{{cite web|title=The Indian Air Force - Historical Perspective|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1995-DEFENCE%20(2)/PDF/DEF-1995-10-08_080.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive|date=8 October 1995|access-date=11 December 2021}}</ref> commissioning its first seven female pilots on 17 December 1994.<ref>{{cite web|title=Defence Nuggets - I|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/FEATURE/1997-%20FEATURE%20JAN%20DEC%20NO37/PDF/FEA-1997-08-08_163.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive|date=8 August 1997|access-date=11 December 2021}}</ref> Until December 1996,<ref name="TNIE"/> women short-service commission officers in the Armed Forces were limited to five years in service, excepting the technical branch of the air force, in which female officers could only serve for three years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Recruitment Of Women Officers In Armed Forces|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1995-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1995-05-17_102.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive|date=17 May 1995|access-date=11 December 2021}}</ref> In August 1998, the Navy opened all of its branches to women.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Initiatives in Defence|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/archive/ArchiveSecondPhase/DEFENCE/1999-JAN-DEC-MIN-OF-DEFENCE/PDF/DEF-1999-03-18_153.pdf|website=Press Information Bureau of India - Archive|date=18 March 1999|access-date=11 December 2021}}</ref>

[[Punita Arora]] was appointed Commandant, Armed Forces Medical College on 1 September 2004 in the rank of [[Lieutenant general (India)|lieutenant-general]], becoming the first woman in the armed forces to reach [[three-star rank]].<ref>{{cite web|title=First Lady Lt Gen of Indian Army|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=3623|website=Press Information Bureau of India|date=31 August 2004|accessdate=11 December 2021}}</ref> In September 2008, women became eligible for permanent commissions in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) and Education Corps in all three services, along with the Naval Constructor branch of the Navy and in the Accounts branch of the Air Force. This made them eligible to be promoted by selection in those streams (to the ranks of [[Colonel (India)|colonel]], [[Captain (Indian Navy)|captain]] and [[Group captain (India)|group captain]], and to the flag ranks), as short-service commissions are relinquished after 14 years of service. In November 2011, women Air Force officers further became eligible for permanent commissions in the  Technical, Administration, Logistics and Meteorology Branches.<ref>{{cite web|title=Women In Defence Forces|url=https://archive.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=77676|website=Press Information Bureau of India|date=28 November 2011|accessdate=11 December 2021}}</ref>

=== Branches ===
{{Military of India sidebar}}

{| class="wikitable" width=900 cellpadding=3 cellspacing=0
! style="align: center; background: " colspan="5" | Indian Armed Forces<ref name="Press Information Bureau" /><ref name="IISS 2012">{{harvnb|IISS|2012|pp=243–248}}</ref><ref name="auto" />
|-
| ||'''Active'''||'''Reserve'''<ref name=":0">{{harvnb|IISS|2020|p=?}}</ref> ||'''Governing Body'''||'''Area'''
|-
| {{army|India}} || 1,237,117 || 960,000 || [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] ||
|-
| {{navy|India}} || 67,228 || 55,000 || [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] ||
|-
| {{air force|India}} || 139,576 || 140,000 || [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] ||
|-
| {{coast guard|India}} || 11,000 || || [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] ||
|-
| {{flagicon image|BRO Flag.svg}} [[Border Roads Organisation]] || 33,230 || || [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] ||
|-
| || '''1,488,151''' || '''1,155,000''' || ||
|-
! style="align: center" colspan="5" | Paramilitary Forces<ref name="IISS 2012" />
|-
| ||'''Active'''||'''Reserve'''||'''Governing Body'''||'''Area'''
|-
| [[File:Assam Rifles LOGO.svg|25x25px]] [[Assam Rifles]] ||66,000 || || [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] ||
|-
| [[File:SFF LOGO.svg|25px]] [[Special Frontier Force]] || 10,000<ref name=":0" /> || || [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] ||
|-
| || '''76,000''' ||      '''N.A.''' || ||
|-
! colspan="5" | Central Armed Police Forces and Others<ref name="IISS 2012" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/EnglAnnualReport2016-17_17042017.pdf|title=MHA Annual Report 2016–2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808200948/http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/EnglAnnualReport2016-17_17042017.pdf|archive-date=8 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| [[File:BSF Insignia.svg|25x25px]] [[Border Security Force]] ||257,363 ||  || [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] || Indo-Pak Border, Indo-Bangladesh, others<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bsf.nic.in/en/introduction.html|title=Border Security Force|website=bsf.nic.in|access-date=9 December 2019|archive-date=30 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130002632/http://www.bsf.nic.in/en/introduction.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| [[File:CISF LOGO.svg|33x33px]] [[Central Industrial Security Force]] ||144,418 ||  || [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] || Industries, [[Public sector undertakings in India|PSUs]]
|-
| [[File:CRPF Logo.svg|27x27px]] [[Central Reserve Police Force]] ||313,678 || || [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] ||
|-
| [[File:ITBP Logo.svg|25px]] [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]]||89,432 ||  || [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] || India-China Border<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://itbpolice.nic.in/itbpwebsite/Aboutus_new/history&role/htmnav.html|title=Home &#124; Indo Tibetan Border Police, Ministry of Home Affairs|website=itbpolice.nic.in|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref>
|-
| [[File:National Security Guard-India.svg|25px]] [[National Security Guard]] ||12,000<ref name=":0" /> ||  || [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] ||
|-
| [[File:Sashastra Seema Bal.svg|31x31px]] [[Sashastra Seema Bal]] ||76,337 ||  || [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] || Indo-Nepal Border and Indo-Bhutan Border<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ssb.nic.in/index1.aspx?lsid=38&lev=2&lid=10&langid=1&Cid=0|title=Role- SSB Ministry Of Home Affairs, Govt. Of India|website=ssb.nic.in|access-date=9 December 2019|archive-date=28 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728111312/https://www.ssb.nic.in/index1.aspx?lsid=38&lev=2&lid=10&langid=1&Cid=0|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| [[File:Logo of RPF.jpg|25px]] [[Railway Protection Force]] ||70,000<ref name=":0" /> || || [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]] || Indian Railways
|-
| [[File:NDRF Logo.png|25px]] [[National Disaster Response Force]] ||13,000 ||  || [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] || Area prone to Disaster in India
|-
| [[File:DSC Insignia.svg|25px]] [[Defence Security Corps]] ||31,000<ref name=":0" /> || || ||
|-
| [[File:SPG LOGO.svg|25px]] [[Special Protection Group]] ||3,000<ref name=":0" /> || || [[Cabinet Secretariat of India|Cabinet Secretariat]] || [[Cabinet Secretariat of India|Cabinet Secretariat]]
|-
| [[File:Emblem of India.svg|15px]] [[State Armed Police Forces]] ||450,000<ref name=":0" /> || || State Governments || Respective States
|-
| [[File:Emblem of India.svg|15px]] Civil Defence || ||500,000<ref name=":0" /> || ||
|-
| [[File:Emblem of India.svg|15px]] [[Home Guard (India)|Home Guard]] || ||441,800<ref name=":0" /> || ||
|-
| || '''1,403,700''' ||'''987,800''' || ||
|}

=== Recruitment and Training ===
{{Main|Military academies in India}}

[[File:Sudan Block NDA.JPG|thumb|The [[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy]] (NDA) at [[Pune]]. NDA serves as the joint services academy for the army, the navy and the air force.|250x250px]]

The vast majority of soldiers in Indian Army are enlisted personnel, called by the Army as Soldier, general duty. These soldiers are recruited at different recruitment rallies across the country.{{Sfn|IISS|2018}} At these rallies, Army recruiters look at candidates from surrounding districts and examine their fitness for the Army. Candidates for Soldier, general duty must have Class 10 Leaving Certificate and in the range of 17 to 21 years.{{Sfn|IISS|2019}} The Army also does online applications to appear at recruitment rallies. Requirements for technical roles, like nurses, artillery, Missile Defense have more stringent educational requirements. The least restrictive job in Army is House Keeper and Cleaner, for which candidates only have to be 8th pass.

At the rally, prospective soldiers are evaluated for height, weight, vision and hearing, and physical fitness. Fitness tests include a 1.6&nbsp;km Run, Pull Ups, jumping a 9 Feet ditch, and doing a zig zag balance test. After recruitment rally, accepted candidates go to Basic Training.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Join Indian Army.|url=https://joinindianarmy.nic.in/Authentication.aspx|access-date=6 September 2021|website=joinindianarmy.nic.in}}</ref>

The Indian Armed Forces have set up numerous military academies across India for training personnel. Military schools, [[Sainik School]]s, and the [[Rashtriya Indian Military College]] were founded to broaden the recruitment base of the Defence Forces. The three branches of the Indian Armed Forces jointly operate several institutions such as: the [[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy]] (NDA), the [[Defence Services Staff College]] (DSSC), the [[National Defence College, India|National Defence College]] (NDC) and the [[College of Defence Management]] (CDM) for training its officers. The [[Armed Forces Medical College, Pune|Armed Forces Medical College]] (AFMC) at [[Pune, Maharashtra|Pune]] is responsible for providing the entire pool of medical staff to the Armed Forces by giving them in-service training.{{Sfn|IISS|2019}}{{Sfn|IISS|2014}}

Officer recruitment is through many military-related academies. Besides the tri-service [[National Defence Academy (India)|National Defence Academy, Pune]], the three services have their own training institutes for this purpose. These include: the [[Indian Military Academy]], [[Dehradun]], [[Indian Naval Academy]], [[Ezhimala]], [[Air Force Academy, Dundigul|Air Force Academy]], [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]], [[Officers Training Academy]] at [[Chennai]] and [[Gaya, India|Gaya]].<ref name=yn6j>{{cite news|title=Gaya Officers Training Academy poised to conduct maiden passing out parade|url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/gaya-officers-training-academy-poised-conduct-maiden-passing-071715440.html|access-date=10 July 2012|newspaper=Yahoo News|date=6 June 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130204134318/http://in.news.yahoo.com/gaya-officers-training-academy-poised-conduct-maiden-passing-071715440.html|archive-date=4 February 2013}}</ref><ref name=toi10f>{{cite news|title=Gaya to get Army's second Officers Training Academy|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-02-18/india/28144782_1_ssc-officers-navy-and-iaf-officers-training-academy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916151403/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-02-18/india/28144782_1_ssc-officers-navy-and-iaf-officers-training-academy|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 September 2011|access-date=10 July 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=10 February 2010}}</ref> Other notable institutions are the [[Army War College, Mhow|Army War College]], at Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, the [[High Altitude Warfare School]] (HAWS), at Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, the [[Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School]] (CIJW), in Vairengte, Mizoram, and the [[College of Military Engineering, Pune|College of Military Engineering]] (CME), in Pune. After being commissioned, officers are posted and deputed, and are at the helm of affairs not only inside India but also abroad. Officers are appointed and removed only by the [[President of India]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Notifications {{!}} Join Indian Army|url=http://164.100.158.23/notifications.htm?isjco=1|access-date=6 September 2021|website=164.100.158.23}}</ref>

=== Overseas bases and relations ===
{{See also|List of countries with overseas military bases#India | label 1 = List of India's overseas military bases and posts}}

[[File:Haa-Dzong Bhutan.jpg|thumb|300px|The Haa Dzong in [[Bhutan]] which houses the Headquarters of [[Indian Military Training Team]] (IMTRAT)]]
[[Farkhor Air Base]] is a military air base located near the town of Farkhor in Tajikistan, {{convert|130|km|mi}} southeast of the capital Dushanbe. It is operated by the Indian Air Force in collaboration with the Tajikistan Air Force. Farkhor is India's first and only military base outside its territory.<ref>{{cite news|title=Making the water boil in Afghanistan|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/09/stories/2008070955191000.htm|access-date=30 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219040759/http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/09/stories/2008070955191000.htm|archive-date=19 December 2013|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=9 July 2008}}</ref> There was an unconfirmed report of India building some assets at [[Ayni Air Base]] in Tajikistan,<ref>{{cite web|title=India Reportedly Basing Helicopters, Fighter Jets in Tajikistan|url=http://www.eurasianet.org/node/64694|access-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002161023/http://www.eurasianet.org/node/64694|archive-date=2 October 2013}}</ref> although the Tajik government has denied this.<ref>{{cite web|title=India air base grounded in Tajikistan|url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/LL01Df02.html|access-date=30 September 2013|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref> However, India had deployed its Army and [[Border Roads Organisation]] personnel to upgrade Ayni airbase by extending its runway, constructing an air-traffic control tower and perimeter fencing around the base. India provided medium-lift choppers to Tajikistan and a dedicated hospital there as part of efforts to build on the strategic ties between the two countries against the backdrop of US-led troops pulling out from Afghanistan in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=India to provide choppers to Tajikistan|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/india-to-provide-choppers-to-tajikistan_853360.html|access-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003203255/http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/india-to-provide-choppers-to-tajikistan_853360.html|archive-date=3 October 2013|date=6 June 2013}}</ref> India is also helping with the development of [[Port of Chabahar|Chah Bahar Seaport]] in southeastern [[Iran]], which is speculated to be done to secure India's Maritime assets and also as a gateway to Afghanistan & Central Asia. However, India and Israel also have a very strong defence relationship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idsa-india.org/an-aug-700.html|title=Indo-Israel Military Cooperation|website=idsa-india.org|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701215447/http://www.idsa-india.org/an-aug-700.html|archive-date=1 July 2015}}</ref>
[[File:Парад в честь 70-летия Великой Победы - 39.jpg|thumb|220px|Contingent from the Indian Armed Forces at the [[2015 Moscow Victory Day Parade|Moscow Victory Day Parade]], 2015.]]

In the [[1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship]], India took on the obligation to actively assist Nepal in national defence and military preparedness, and both nations agreed not to tolerate threats to each other's security.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020405/edit.htm#5|title=The Tribune, Chandigarh, India – Editorial|website=The Tribune|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420170339/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20020405/edit.htm#5|archive-date=20 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/india/126.htm|title=India – Nepal|website=countrystudies.us|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230090533/http://countrystudies.us/india/126.htm|archive-date=30 December 2016}}</ref> In 1958, the then-[[Indian Prime Minister]] [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] visited Bhutan and reiterated India's support for Bhutan's independence and later declared in the [[Indian Parliament]] that any aggression against Bhutan would be seen as aggression against India.<ref name="BI">{{cite web|url=http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+bt0078)|title=Indo-Bhutanese relations|website=loc.gov|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref> India started the process to bring the island country Maldives into India's security grid.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/India-bringing-Maldives-into-its-security-net/501583 |title=India bringing Maldives into its security net |work=The Indian Express |date=13 August 2009 |access-date=1 August 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015082349/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/india-bringing-maldives-into-its-security-net/501583/ |archive-date=15 October 2009 }}</ref> India is also one of three countries with whom Japan has a security pact, the others being Australia and the United States.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://blogs.reuters.com/pakistan/2008/10/25/india-japan-in-security-pact-a-new-architecture-for-asia/ |work=Reuters |title=India, Japan in security pact; a new architecture for Asia? |date=25 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100301213612/http://blogs.reuters.com/pakistan/2008/10/25/india-japan-in-security-pact-a-new-architecture-for-asia/ |archive-date=1 March 2010 }}</ref> India and Russia maintain [[Indo–Russia relations|strong military co-operation.]] India has defence pacts with the US focusing on areas including security, joint training, joint development and manufacture of defence equipment and technology.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theconversation.com/whats-behind-the-new-us-india-defense-pact-42944|title=What's behind the new US-India Defense Pact?|author=Ashok Sharma|date=17 June 2015|website=The Conversation|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619133827/http://theconversation.com/whats-behind-the-new-us-india-defense-pact-42944|archive-date=19 June 2015}}</ref> In 1951, India and Burma signed a Treaty of Friendship in New Delhi. Article II of the treaty stipulates that "There shall be everlasting peace and unalterable friendship between the two States who shall ever strive to strengthen and develop further the cordial relations existing between the peoples of the two countries."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.idea.int/asia_pacific/burma/upload/chap4.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306094846/http://www.idea.int/asia_pacific/burma/upload/chap4.pdf|url-status=dead|title=India–Burma relations|archive-date=6 March 2012|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref> India had signed a pact to develop ports in Myanmar and various bilateral issues, including economic co-operation, connectivity, security and energy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aseanaffairs.com/page/india-myanmar/ties%20india%20to%20sign%20pact%20to%20develop%20myanmar%20port |title=INDIA-MYANMAR/TIES India to sign pact to develop Myanmar port |publisher=Aseanaffairs.com |access-date=1 August 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707173435/http://www.aseanaffairs.com/page/india-myanmar/ties%20india%20to%20sign%20pact%20to%20develop%20myanmar%20port |archive-date=7 July 2011 }}</ref>
India has a "comprehensive strategic partnership" with UAE.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-and-uae-announce-strategic-partnership-front-against-terrorism/article7550820.ece|title=India and UAE announce strategic partnership, front against terrorism|author=Nistula Hebbar|newspaper=The Hindu|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117183847/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-and-uae-announce-strategic-partnership-front-against-terrorism/article7550820.ece|archive-date=17 January 2016|date=17 August 2015}}</ref> India has maritime security arrangements in place with Oman and Qatar.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/12/stories/2008111258230100.htm |title=Front Page: Navy foils bid to hijack Indian ship in Gulf of Aden |date=12 November 2008 |access-date=1 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101020182739/http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/12/stories/2008111258230100.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=20 October 2010 }}</ref> In 2008, a landmark defence pact was signed, under which India committed its military assets to protect "Qatar from external threats".<ref>{{Citation|title=Indian Defence|url=http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/AC643928791FF4F2652574FE00466484?OpenDocument|publisher=[[Press Trust of India|PTI News]]}}.{{Dead link|date=September 2021}}</ref>
On 9 June 2012, the JIMEX 2012 naval exercise took place off the coast of Tamil Nadu in India to Tokyo in Japan. This was the first ever bilateral maritime exercise between the two nations in a long time, reflecting their similar interests, especially those involving spontaneous regional security against common external aggressors. The Indian Navy has berthing rights in Oman and Vietnam.

As part of its two-decade-old [[Look East policy (India)|Look East policy]], India has substantially stepped up military engagement with East Asian and [[ASEAN]] nations. Although never explicitly stated, ASEAN and East Asian nations want New Delhi to be a counterweight to increasing Chinese footprints in the region. Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and, particularly, Vietnam and Myanmar have time and again pressed India to help them both in terms of military training and weapons supply.<ref>{{cite web|title=India's Growing Military Diplomacy|url=https://thediplomat.com/2013/08/16/indias-growing-military-diplomacy/|access-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827025042/https://thediplomat.com/2013/08/16/indias-growing-military-diplomacy/|archive-date=27 August 2013}}</ref> Myanmar's Navy Chief, Vice Admiral Thura Thet Swe during his four-day visit to India in late July 2012 held wide-ranging consultations with top officials from the Indian Ministry of Defence. Apart from increasing the number of training slots of Myanmar officers in Indian military training establishments, India has agreed to build at least four Offshore Patrol Vehicles (OPV) in Indian Shipyards to be used by Myanmar's navy. For more than a decade now, India has assisted Vietnam in beefing up its naval and air capabilities. For instance, India has repaired and upgraded more than 100 [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG 21]] planes of the Vietnam People's Air Force and supplied them with enhanced avionics and radar systems. Indian Air Force pilots have also been training their Vietnamese counterparts. In a first, India has offered a $100-million credit line to Vietnam to purchase military equipment. A bilateral agreement for the use of facilities in India by the Singapore Air Force and Army was signed in October 2007 and August 2008 respectively and has been extended up to 2017. Singapore is the only country to which India is offering such facilities.<ref>{{cite news|title=India, Singapore sign fresh pact on Army training|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-singapore-sign-fresh-pact-on-army-training/article4781728.ece|access-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012064110/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-singapore-sign-fresh-pact-on-army-training/article4781728.ece|archive-date=12 October 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=4 June 2013}}</ref>

== Indian Army ==
{{Main|Indian Army}}

[[File:Arjun MK1A MBT.webm|thumb|right|Indian Army's [[Arjun (tank)|Arjun Mark 1A]] tank.|249x249px]]
The Indian Army is a voluntary service, the [[military draft]] having never been imposed in India. It is one of the largest standing armies (and the largest standing volunteer army) in the world, with 1,237,000 active troops and 800,000 reserve troops.<ref name="Studies2023">{{harvnb|IISS|2020|pp=269–275}}</ref>  The force is headed by the [[Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army]], General Manoj [[Chief of the Army Staff (India)|Mukund Pande]]. The highest rank in the Indian Army is [[Field Marshal]], but it is a largely ceremonial rank and appointments are made by the [[President of India]], on the advice of the [[Union Cabinet of India|Union Cabinet]] of Ministers, only in exceptional circumstances. [[Sam Manekshaw]] and the [[Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa|K.M. Cariappa]] are the only two officers who have attained this rank.

The army has rich combat experience in diverse terrains, due to India's varied geography, and also has a distinguished history of serving in [[United Nations]] [[peacekeeping]] operations. Initially, the army's main objective was to defend the nation's frontiers. However, over the years, the army has also taken up the responsibility of providing internal security, especially in insurgent-hit [[Kashmir]] and the [[Assam|north-east]]. The Indian Army has seen military action during the [[First Kashmir War]], [[Operation Polo]], the [[Sino-Indian War]], the [[Second Kashmir War]], the [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]], the [[Sri Lankan Civil War]] and the [[Kargil War]]. It has dedicated one [[brigade]] of troops to the [[UN]]'s standby arrangements. Through its large, sustained troop commitments India has been praised for taking part in difficult operations for prolonged periods.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}} The Indian Army has participated in several UN [[peacekeeping]] operations including those in: Cyprus, Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Cambodia, Vietnam, Namibia, El Salvador, Liberia, Mozambique and Somalia. The army also provided a [[paramedical]] unit to facilitate the withdrawal of the sick and wounded in the [[Korean War]].

=== Doctrine, corps, field force ===
[[File:PIC18Y6S (cropped).jpg|thumb|Indian Army [[Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher]].|251x251px]]
The current combat doctrine of the Indian Army is based on effectively utilising holding formations and strike formations. In the case of an attack, the holding formations would contain the enemy, and strike formations would counter-attack to neutralise enemy forces.{{cn|date=February 2023}} In the case of an Indian attack, the holding formations would pin enemy forces down whilst the strike formations attack at a point of India's choosing. The Indian Army is large enough to devote several corps to the strike role. The army is also looking at enhancing its special forces capabilities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Army raising new special forces battalion|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/indian-army-raising-new-special-forces-battalion_715382.html|access-date=1 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005034014/http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/indian-army-raising-new-special-forces-battalion_715382.html|archive-date=5 October 2013|date=26 June 2011}}</ref> With the role of India increasing, and the need to protect India's interests on far-off shores becoming important, the Indian Army and Indian Navy are jointly planning to set up a marine brigade.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Army and Navy Seek Permission to Set Up Marine Brigade|url=http://www.defence.pk/forums/indian-defence/61300-indian-army-navy-seek-permission-set-up-marine-brigade.html|access-date=1 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004222646/http://www.defence.pk/forums/indian-defence/61300-indian-army-navy-seek-permission-set-up-marine-brigade.html|archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref>

The Army's field force comprises fifteen corps, three armoured divisions, four Reorganised Army Plains Infantry Divisions (RAPID), eighteen infantry divisions and ten mountain divisions, a number of independent brigades, and requisite combat support and service support formations and units. Among the fifteen, four are "strike" corps&nbsp;– [[Mathura]] ([[I Corps (India)|I Corps]]), [[Ambala Cantonment|Ambala]] ([[II Corps (India)|II Corps]]), [[Bhopal]] ([[XXI Corps (India)|XXI Corps]]) and [[Panagarh]] ([[XVII Corps (India)|XVII Corps]]). The main combat and combat support units are 68 armoured regiments, and over 350 infantry battalions and 300 artillery regiments (including two surface-to-surface missile (SSM) units). Amongst major armaments and equipment, there are nearly 4000 main battle tanks, 2000 armoured personnel carriers, 4300 artillery pieces and 200 light helicopters.<ref>{{cite web |title=Need for Holistic Restructuring of the Indian Military {{!}} Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses |url=https://idsa.in/jds/2_1_2008_NeedforHolisticRestructuringoftheIndianMilitary_VOberoi |website=idsa.in}}</ref>

==== Mountain Strike Corps ====
India has raised a new mountain strike corps to strengthen its defence along its disputed border with China in the high reaches of the Himalayas. However, the entire XVII Corps, with its headquarters at [[Panagarh]] in [[West Bengal]], will only be fully raised with 90,274 troops at a cost of 646.7 Billion Indian Rupees by 2018–2019 (circa US$7.3 Billion at 2018 rates). With units spread across the {{convert|4057|km|mi}} Line of Actual Control (LAC) from [[Ladakh]] to [[Arunachal Pradesh]], the corps will have two high-altitude infantry divisions (59 Div at Panagarh and 72 Div at Pathankot) with their integral units, two independent infantry brigades, two armoured brigades and the like. It will include 30 new infantry battalions and two Para-Special Forces battalions. In other words, it will have "rapid reaction force" capability to launch a counter-offensive into [[Tibet Autonomous Region]] (TAR) in the event of any Chinese attack.<ref>{{cite news|title=Army chief reviews mountain strike corps|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Army-chief-reviews-mountain-strike-corps/articleshow/34795843.cms|work=The Times of India|date=8 May 2014 |access-date=24 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903000724/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Army-chief-reviews-mountain-strike-corps/articleshow/34795843.cms|archive-date=3 September 2014}}</ref>

=== Army Aviation Corps ===
{{Main|Army Aviation Corps (India)}}
[[File:Hindustan ALH Dhruv, India - Army AN1546730.jpg|thumb|Indian Army's [[HAL Dhruv]] helicopter.|250x250px]]
The [[Army Aviation Corps (India)|Army Aviation Corps]] is another vital part of the Indian Army formed on 1 November 1986. The army aviation pilots are drawn from other combat arms, including artillery officers, to form a composite third dimensional force for an integrated battle. IAF operates and flies attack Helicopters like the Mil Mi-25/Mi-35 which are owned and administered by the Indian Air Force, but under the operational control of the Army and play a major role to support the armoured columns and infantry. Apart from the attack role, helicopters like the [[HAL Chetak]], [[Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama|HAL Cheetah]], and [[HAL Dhruv]] provide logistical support for the Indian Army in remote and inaccessible areas, especially the Siachen Glacier. To equip Army Aviation Corps, procurement process for 197 light utility helicopters (LUH) is ongoing, of which 64 will be inducted in the Army Aviation to replace the Cheetak and Cheetah Helicopters. [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited|HAL]] has obtained a firm order to deliver 114 HAL [[HAL Light Combat Helicopter|Light Combat Helicopters]] to the Indian Army.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}}

=== Modernisation ===

==== Mechanised forces ====
[[File:Yudh Abhyas-09 T-90.JPG|thumb|300px|upright=1.2|[[Indian Army]]'s tanks and infantry vehicles during an exercise.|left]]
India is re-organising its mechanised forces to achieve strategic mobility and high-volume firepower for rapid thrusts into enemy territory. At present, the Indian army has severe deficiencies in its artillery (particularly self-propelled guns) and ammunition stocks, not to mention the inability of some of its modern tanks to operate in the heat and dust of the desert regions around the international border.<ref name="Ladwig2">Walter C. Ladwig III {{Cite journal|title= Indian Military Modernization and Conventional Deterrence in South Asia |journal= Journal of Strategic Studies |volume=38 |issue=5 |pages= 729–772 |year=2015|doi = 10.1080/01402390.2015.1014473|last1 = Ladwig Iii|first1 = Walter C|s2cid= 216088396 |url= http://www.walterladwig.com/Articles/Conventional%20Deterrence%20in%20South%20Asia.pdf }}</ref> India proposes to progressively induct as many as 248 [[Arjun MBT]] and to develop and induct the Arjun MK-II variant, 1,657 Russian-origin [[T-90]]S main-battle tanks, apart from the ongoing upgrade of its [[T-72]] fleet. Arjun MK-II trials had already begun in August 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Arjun MK-II user trials kicked off in Rajasthan|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-13/india/41371931_1_arjun-mbt-drdo-development-establishment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817185737/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-13/india/41371931_1_arjun-mbt-drdo-development-establishment|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 August 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=26 September 2013}}</ref> The improved features of the MK-II version of Arjun are night vision capabilities with a thermal imaging system for detecting all kinds of missiles, [[Explosive Reactive Armour]] (ERA), mine ploughs, the ability to fire anti-tank missiles with its 120&nbsp;mm main gun, an [[Corps of Army Air Defence (India)|Advanced Air Defence]] gun capable of shooting down helicopters with a 360-degree coverage, Automatic Target Tracking (ATT) lending a greater accuracy when it comes to moving targets and superior Laser Warning and Control systems. The Indian Army will upgrade its entire Boyevaya Mashina Pekhoty-2 ([[BMP-2]])/2K [[infantry combat vehicle]] (ICV) fleet to enhance their ability to address operational requirements. Upgrades include integration of the latest generation fire control system, twin missile launchers and commander's thermal imaging panoramic sights, anti- tank guided missiles, as well as automatic grenade launchers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Army set to upgrade BMP-2/2K infantry fighting vehicle fleet|url=http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsindian-army-upgrade-bmp-22k-infantry-fighting-vehicle-fleet|access-date=26 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927171220/http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsindian-army-upgrade-bmp-22k-infantry-fighting-vehicle-fleet|archive-date=27 September 2013|date=6 May 2013}}{{unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=August 2016}}</ref>

==== Artillery ====
Under the Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan, the army plans to procure 3000 to 4000 pieces of artillery at a cost of US$3&nbsp;billion. This includes purchasing 1580 towed, 814 mounted, 180 self-propelled wheeled, 100 self-propelled tracked and 145 ultra-light 155&nbsp;mm/52 calibre artillery guns. After three years of searching and negotiations, India ordered [[M777 howitzer|M777]] 155&nbsp;mm howitzers from USA in September 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dunnigan|first=James|title=India Joins The M-777 Club|url=http://www.strategypage.com/dls/articles/India-Joins-The-M-777-Club-9-8-2013.asp|access-date=2 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005012940/http://www.strategypage.com/dls/articles/India-Joins-The-M-777-Club-9-8-2013.asp|archive-date=5 October 2013}}</ref>

To lend greater firepower support to the [[Mechanized infantry]], DRDO has developed the [[Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher|Pinaka]] [[multiple rocket launcher]]. The system has a maximum range of {{convert|39|-|40|km|mi}} and can fire a [[salvo]] of 12 [[Explosive material|HE]] rockets in 44 seconds, neutralising a target area of {{convert|3.9|sqkm|mi2}}. The system is mounted on a [[Tatra cars|Tatra]] truck for mobility. Pinaka saw service during the [[Kargil War]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Pinaka Multibarrel Rocket Launch (MBRL) System, India|url=http://www.army-technology.com/projects/pinaka-multibarrel-rocket-launch-system-indian-army/|access-date=4 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215755/http://www.army-technology.com/projects/pinaka-multibarrel-rocket-launch-system-indian-army/|archive-date=4 October 2013}}{{unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=August 2016}}</ref> where it was successful in neutralising enemy positions on the mountain tops. It has since been inducted into the Indian Army in large numbers.<ref name=st22a13>{{cite news|title=Pinaka rocket system wins DRDO award |url=http://www.sakaaltimes.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=5055142784656506184&SectionId=5171561142064258099SectionName=Pune&NewsTitle=Pinaka%20rocket%20system%20wins%20DRDO%20award |access-date=24 July 2013 |newspaper=Sakaal Times |date=22 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004220531/http://www.sakaaltimes.com/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=5055142784656506184&SectionId=5171561142064258099SectionName%3DPune&NewsTitle=Pinaka%20rocket%20system%20wins%20DRDO%20award |archive-date=4 October 2013 }}</ref><ref name=jj25m13>{{cite news|title=Union Government cleared 1500 crore Rupees Proposal for Pinaka Rockets|url=http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/union-government-cleared-1500-crore-rupees-proposal-for-pinaka-rockets-1364198034-1|access-date=24 July 2013|newspaper=Jagran Josh|date=25 March 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808185501/http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/union-government-cleared-1500-crore-rupees-proposal-for-pinaka-rockets-1364198034-1|archive-date=8 August 2013}}</ref>

==== Infantry ====

[[File:Indian Army personnel with a Mod. Ak rifle.jpg|thumb|Indian Army soldier from [[XVI Corps (India)|White Knight Corps]], 2021.|250x250px]]
The Indian Army has also embarked on an infantry modernisation programme known as '''F'''uturistic '''In'''fantry '''S'''oldier '''A'''s a '''S'''ystem ([[F-INSAS]]). The infantry soldiers will be equipped with modular weapon systems that will have multiple functions. The core systems include bullet proof helmet and visor. The bullet proof helmet is an integrated assembly equipped with helmet mounted flashlight, thermal sensors and night vision device, miniature computer with audio headsets. The personal clothing of the soldier of the future would be lightweight with a bullet-proof jacket. The futuristic jacket would be waterproof, yet it would be able to breathe. The new attire will enable the troops to carry extra loads and resist the impact of nuclear, chemical and biological warfare. The new uniform will have vests with sensors to monitor the soldier's health parameters and to provide quick medical relief. The weapons sub-system is built around a multi-calibre individual weapon system with the fourth calibre attached to a grenade launcher. These include a 5.56&nbsp;mm, a 7.62&nbsp;mm and a new 6.8&nbsp;mm under development for the first time in India.<ref>{{cite web|last=Katoch|first=Prakash|title=Modernisation of the Indian Infantry|url=http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/modernisation-of-the-indian-infantry/|website=Indian Defense Review|access-date=3 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005014054/http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/modernisation-of-the-indian-infantry/|archive-date=5 October 2013}}</ref>

In November 2013, the Indian Army moved a step closer to the battlefield of the future, where command networks know the precise location of every soldier and weapon, with whom generals can exchange reports, photos, data and verbal and written communications. Army headquarters called in 14 Indian companies and issued them an expression of interest (EoI) for developing a Battlefield Management System (BMS). The BMS will integrate combat units&nbsp;– armoured, artillery and infantry regiments, infantry battalions, helicopter flights, etc.&nbsp;– into a digital network that will link together all components of the future battlefield. While precise costs are still unclear, vendors competing for the contract say the army expects to pay about Rs 40,000 crore for developing and manufacturing the BMS.<ref>{{cite news|title=Army kicks off high-tech 'digital soldier' project|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/army-kicks-off-high-tech-digital-soldier-project-113111100986_1.html|newspaper=Business Standard India|access-date=12 November 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111184819/http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/army-kicks-off-high-tech-digital-soldier-project-113111100986_1.html|archive-date=11 November 2013|date=12 November 2013|last1=Shukla|first1=Ajai}}</ref> However, in 2015, the Indian Army decided to replace the F-INSAS program in favour of two separate projects. The new program will have two components: one arming the modern infantry soldier with the best available assault rifle, carbines and personal equipment such as the helmet and bulletproof vests,  the second part is the Battlefield Management Systems (BMS).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/11907/Indian_Army_to_Break_up_Future_Soldier_Program_into_Two_Parts|title=Indian Army to Break up Future Soldier Program into Two Parts|website=defenseworld.net|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212014639/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/11907/Indian_Army_to_Break_up_Future_Soldier_Program_into_Two_Parts|archive-date=12 February 2017}}</ref>

== Indian Navy ==
{{Main|Indian Navy}}

The Indian Navy is the [[navy|naval branch]] of the Indian armed forces. With 58,350 men and women, including 7,000 personnel of the [[Indian Naval Air Arm]], 1,200 [[MARCOS (India)|Marine Commandos (MARCOS)]] and 1,000 personnel of the [[Sagar Prahari Bal]].<ref name="TOI28089355">{{cite web |url= http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-10-30/pune/28089355_1_simulators-ins-shivaji-training |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121025121111/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-10-30/pune/28089355_1_simulators-ins-shivaji-training |url-status= dead |archive-date= 25 October 2012 |title=Special force to get training at INS Shivaji – |first=Prasad |last=Kulkarni |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=30 October 2009 |access-date=18 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.indianexpress.com/news/govt-orders-coastal-security-restructuring/429319/0 |title=Govt orders coastal security restructuring |first=Manu |last=Pubby |website=[[The Indian Express]] |date=1 March 2009|access-date=18 June 2012}}</ref> The Indian Navy is one of the world's largest naval forces and developed into a [[Blue-water navy|blue water navy]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Scott|first=Dr. David|date=Winter 2007–2008|journal=Journal of Military and Strategic Studies|volume=10|issue=2|title=India's drive for a 'blue water' navy|url=http://www.jmss.org/2008/winter/articles/scott.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528002213/http://www.jmss.org/2008/winter/articles/scott.pdf|archive-date=28 May 2008}}</ref><ref name="Ladwig">Walter C. Ladwig III {{cite web|url=http://users.ox.ac.uk/~mert1769/Indian%20Naval%20Expansion.pdf |title=Drivers of Indian Naval Expansion |website=The Rise of the Indian Navy: Internal Vulnerabilities, External Challenges |publisher=Ashgate |year=2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212195021/http://users.ox.ac.uk/~mert1769/Indian%20Naval%20Expansion.pdf |archive-date=12 February 2016 }}</ref> The Indian Navy has a large operational fleet consisting of 2 [[aircraft carriers]], 1 [[amphibious transport dock]], 9 Landing ship tanks, 10 [[destroyers]], 14 [[frigates]], 1 [[Nuclear attack submarine|nuclear-powered attack submarine]], 14 conventionally-powered [[attack submarines]], 24 [[corvettes]], 6 [[mine countermeasure vessel]]s, 25 patrol vessels, 4 [[fleet tanker]]s and various auxiliary vessels.

=== Ships ===
{{Main|List of active Indian Navy ships}}

[[File:INS Vikramaditya - 02.jpg|thumb|Indian Navy ships in transit led by aircraft carrier's {{INS|Vikramaditya}} and {{INS|Viraat}}.|270x270px]]

The Indian navy operates two aircraft carriers- the first is the {{INS|Vikramaditya}}, a modified {{sclass|Kiev|aircraft carrier|0}} ship,<ref>{{cite web|title=After 5-year delay, Navy gets INS Vikramaditya|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-11-17/india/44161814_1_ins-vikramaditya-viraat-warship|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131119062107/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-11-17/india/44161814_1_ins-vikramaditya-viraat-warship|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 November 2013|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=22 November 2013}}</ref> and the indigenous {{INS|Vikrant|2013}}. The navy also operates one {{sclass|Visakhapatnam|destroyer|0}}, three {{sclass|Kolkata|destroyer|0}}, three {{sclass|Delhi|destroyer|0}} and three {{sclass|Rajput|destroyer|0}} guided-missile destroyers. The ''Rajput''-class destroyers will be replaced in the near future by the next-generation {{sclass|Visakhapatnam|destroyer|4}} (Project 15B destroyers). In addition to destroyers, the navy operates several classes of frigates such as three {{sclass|Shivalik|frigate|5}} (Project 17 class) and six {{sclass|Talwar|frigate|0}} frigates. Seven additional {{sclass|Nilgiri|frigate|0||2019}} (Project 17A-class) frigates are on order. The older {{sclass|Brahmaputra|frigate|0}} frigates will be replaced systematically one by one as the new classes of frigates are brought into service over the next decade. Smaller littoral zone combatants in service are in the form of corvettes, of which, the Indian Navy operates the {{sclass|Kamorta|corvette|5}}, {{sclass|Kora|corvette|5}}, {{sclass|Khukri|corvette|5}}, {{sclass|Veer|corvette|5}} and {{sclass|Abhay|corvette|5}} classes. Replenishment tankers such as the ''Jyoti''-class tanker, the {{sclass|Aditya|auxiliary ship|4}} and the new {{sclass|Deepak|fleet tanker|0}} fleet tankers help improve the navy's endurance at sea. These tankers will be the mainstay of the replenishment fleet until the first half of the 21st century.

=== Submarines ===
[[File:Indian Navy's TROPEX-2014 (6).JPG|thumb|{{INS|Chakra|2011|6}} is India's nuclear-powered [[attack submarine]].|left|269x269px]]
The Indian Navy operates a sizeable fleet of {{sclass|Sindhughosh|submarine|5}} (Russian {{sclass2|Kilo|submarine|0}} design) and {{sclass|Shishumar|submarine|5}} (German Type 209/1500 design)-class submarines. A nuclear-powered attack submarine {{INS|Chakra|2011|6}} has been leased from Russia. India is completing the construction of six {{sclass2|Scorpène|submarine|0}} submarines at Mazagon Dockyards Limited (MDL), in Mumbai under technology transfer from French firm DCNS. The new submarines feature [[air-independent propulsion]] and started joining the navy towards the end of 2017; four were in service by the end of 2021. Designed for coastal defence against under-water threats, the 1,750-tonne submarine-submarine-killer (SSK) Scorpène is {{convert|67|m|ftin}} in length and can dive to a depth of {{convert|300|m|ft}}. According to French naval officials, the submarine can stay at sea for 45 days with a crew of 31.<ref>{{cite web|title=First Scorpene submarine would be ready by 2014: French envoy|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-04-13/news/38511459_1_indian-navy-six-scorpene-submarines-french-firm-dcns|access-date=1 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref>
The standard version has six torpedo tubes and anti-shipping missile launchers. Another ambitious project in this regard is the [[Nuclear-powered submarine|nuclear-powered]] [[ballistic missile submarine]] manufacture programme – {{INS|Arihant||2}} class.

=== Weapons systems ===
{{Main|Weapon systems of the Indian Navy}}
[[File:Brahmos imds.jpg|thumb|The Indian Navy's [[BrahMos]] supersonic anti-ship [[cruise missile]].|267x267px]]
In the category of weapon systems, the Indian Navy operates [[K Missile family]] submarine launched ballistic missiles, the [[Prithvi-III]] ballistic ship-launched missile, and a number of land-attack cruise/Anti-ship missiles such as [[BrahMos]] Supersonic Cruise Missile, [[3M-54 Klub|3M-54E/3M-14E Klub]] Anti-Ship/Land Attack Cruise Missile (SS-N-27 Sizzler), [[Kh-35]] (SS-N-25 SwitchBlade), P-20 (SS-N-2D Styx), [[Sea Eagle (missile)|Sea Eagle]] missile and [[Gabriel (missile)|Gabriel]].{{citation needed|date=June 2017}} [[Nirbhay]] long-range subsonic cruise missile and [[BrahMos-II|BrahMos Hypersonic Cruise Missile]] are in development. India has also fitted its [[P-8I]] Neptune reconnaissance aircraft with all-weather, [[Active radar homing|active-rader-homing]], over-the-horizon [[Harpoon (missile)|AGM-84L Harpoon Block II Missiles]] and Mk 54 All-Up-Round Lightweight Torpedoes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Navy Requests New Patrol Aircraft|url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-defense-perspective/2013-08-23/indian-navy-requests-new-patrol-aircraft|access-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002112804/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-defense-perspective/2013-08-23/indian-navy-requests-new-patrol-aircraft|archive-date=2 October 2013}}</ref> Indian warships' primary air-defence shield is provided by [[Barak 1 (missile)|Barak-1]] SAM, while an advanced version [[Barak-8]], developed in collaboration with Israel, has entered service.<ref>{{cite web|title=Barak Gets Bigger And Better|url=https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htada/20130807.aspx|access-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911234602/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htada/20130807.aspx|archive-date=11 September 2013}}</ref> India's next-generation Scorpène-class submarines will be armed with the [[Exocet]] anti-ship missile system. Among indigenous missiles, a ship-launched version of [[Prithvi (missile)|Prithvi-II]] is called the [[Dhanush (missile)|Dhanush]], which has a range of {{convert|350|km|mi}} and can carry a nuclear warhead.<ref>{{cite news|first=Y. |last=Mallikarjun|title=Nuclear-capable Dhanush successfully test-fired|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nuclearcapable-dhanush-successfully-testfired/article3968040.ece|access-date=3 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005004625/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nuclearcapable-dhanush-successfully-testfired/article3968040.ece|archive-date=5 October 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=5 October 2012}}</ref>

=== Naval Air Arm ===
{{Main|Indian Naval Air Arm}}
[[File:Boeing P-8I of the Indian Navy.jpg|thumb|An Indian Navy [[Boeing P-8 Poseidon|P-8I Neptune]] anti-submarine warfare aircraft.|264x264px]]

The [[Indian Naval Air Arm]] is a branch of Indian Navy which is tasked to provide an aircraft carrier based strike capability, fleet air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare. Flag Officer Naval Aviation (FONA) at Goa directs the field operations of the air arm. Naval Air Arm operates eight [[Tu-142]] aircraft, which entered service in 1988. Upgrading of the aircraft is taking place, which helps to extend the service life of the aircraft by sixteen years. The [[BAE Sea Harrier]] operates from the INS Viraat. The BAE Sea Harrier FRS Mk.51 / T Mk.60 fly with the [[INAS 300]] and [[INAS 552]] squadrons of the Indian Navy. The [[Mikoyan MiG-29K]] will be deployed aboard INS ''Vikramaditya''. The Indian Navy operates five [[Il-38]] planes. They are being upgraded to use Sea Dragon suite. Used principally for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and search and rescue roles, the helicopter fleet of [[Westland Sea King]] and the Sikorsky [[SH-3 Sea King]] operate from [[INS Garuda]] (Kochi) as well as INS Kunjali-II (Mumbai) air stations.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}} 56 more naval utility helicopters are planned to be inducted from 2016. These will be used for surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, electronic intelligence gathering and search and rescue operations. The helicopters will be equipped with 70&nbsp;mm rocket launchers, 12.7&nbsp;mm guns, lightweight torpedoes and depth charges.<ref>{{cite web|title=Navy to buy 56 utility helicopters for $1bn|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-11/india/33152341_1_utility-helicopters-eurocopter-multi-role-helicopters|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|work=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref> The Indian Navy will also continue to procure [[HAL Dhruv]] as a multi-role utility platform.  In the long-range maritime reconnaissance (LRMR) role, the navy uses Boeing [[P-8 Poseidon|P-8I Neptune]] and has issued a global tender for nine medium-range maritime reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft for coastal defence.<ref>{{cite web|title=India Issues Global Tender for Maritime Recon Planes |url=http://www.indiandefence.com/forums/indian-navy/31594-india-issues-global-tender-maritime-recon-planes.html |access-date=1 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222061645/http://www.indiandefence.com/forums/indian-navy/31594-india-issues-global-tender-maritime-recon-planes.html |archive-date=22 February 2014 }}</ref>

=== Defence satellite ===
India's first exclusive defence satellite [[GSAT-7]] was successfully launched by European space consortium Arianespace's Ariane 5 rocket from Kourou spaceport in [[French Guiana]] in August 2013, giving a major push to the country's maritime security. The Indian Navy is the user of the multi-band, home-built communication spacecraft, which is operational. GSAT-7 was designed and developed by the [[Indian Space Research Organisation]] (ISRO) and is expected to operate for seven years in its orbital slot at 74 degrees east, providing [[UHF]], [[S-band]], [[C band (IEEE)|C-band]] and [[Ku-band]] relay capacity. Its Ku-band capacity is expected to provide high-density data transmission facility both for voice and video. This satellite has been provided with additional power to communicate with smaller and mobile (not necessarily land-based) terminals. This dedicated satellite is expected to provide the Indian navy with an approximately {{convert|3500|-|4,000|km|mi}} footprint over the Indian Ocean region, and over both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal region and enable real-time networking of all its operational assets in the water (and land). It also will help the navy to operate in a network-centric atmosphere.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lele|first=Ajey|title=GSAT-7: India's Strategic Satellite|url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/opinion/37142gsat-7-india%E2%80%99s-strategic-satellite|access-date=2 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131001142106/http://www.spacenews.com/article/opinion/37142gsat-7-india%E2%80%99s-strategic-satellite|archive-date=1 October 2013}}</ref>

=== Exercises ===
[[File:Ships from the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the United States Navy sail in formation in the Bay of Bengal during exercise Malabar 2017.jpg|thumb|Ships from the Indian navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force during exercise Malabar 2017.|253x253px]]
India often conducts naval exercises with other friendly countries designed to increase naval interoperability and also to strengthen cooperative security relationships. Some exercises take place annually like: the ''Varuna'' with the French Navy, ''Konkan'' with the Royal Navy, ''Indra'' with Russian Navy, ''[[Exercise Malabar|Malabar]]'' with the US and Japan navies, ''Simbex'' with the Republic of Singapore Navy and ''[[IBSAMAR]]'' with the Brasil and South African navies. In 2007, Indian Navy conducted naval exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force and the U.S Navy in the Pacific and also signed an agreement with Japan in October 2008 for joint naval patrolling in the Asia-Pacific region. India has also held naval exercise with Vietnam, the Philippines and New Zealand. In 2007, India and South Korea decided to conduct annual naval exercises and India participated in the South Korean international fleet review. In addition, the Indian Navy will also be increasing naval co-operation with other allies, particularly with Germany, and Arab states of the Persian Gulf including Kuwait, Oman,<ref>{{cite web|title='Naseem Al Bahr', a Naval Exercise between Indian & Oman Navy Held|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/press-release/naseem-al-bahr-naval-exercise-between-indian-oman-navy-held|access-date=2 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005023812/http://indiannavy.nic.in/press-release/naseem-al-bahr-naval-exercise-between-indian-oman-navy-held|archive-date=5 October 2013}}</ref> Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.<ref>{{cite web |title=India and Saudi Arabia to Conduct Joint Naval and Military Exercises and Help Eliminate Piracy |url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/135/india-and-saudi-arabia-to-conduct-joint-naval-and-military-exercises-and-help-eliminate-piracy.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525073445/http://www.defencenow.com/news/135/india-and-saudi-arabia-to-conduct-joint-naval-and-military-exercises-and-help-eliminate-piracy.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 May 2012 |access-date=2 October 2013 }}</ref> Indian Navy also took part in the world's largest naval exercise/war-game [[Exercise RIMPAC|RIMPAC 2014]] along with 22 other nations<ref>{{cite web|last=Gupta |first=Shishir |title=India to play sea war games with 22 nations |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/India-to-play-sea-war-games-with-22-nations/Article1-1119373.aspx |access-date=3 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010150532/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/India-to-play-sea-war-games-with-22-nations/Article1-1119373.aspx |archive-date=10 October 2013 }}</ref> and has since taken part in RIMPAC each year.

=== Modernisation ===
[[File:IAC-1 Vikrant going for its maiden sea trials.jpg|thumb|{{INS|Vikrant|2013|6}} is the Indian Navy's first indigenous aircraft carrier, shown here during its maiden sea trials, August 2021.|left|252x252px]]
In recent years, the Indian Navy has undergone [[Indian Navy#Ongoing expansion|modernisation and expansion]] with the intention of countering growing Chinese maritime power in the Indian Ocean and reaching the status of a recognised [[blue-water navy]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jmss.org/2008/winter/articles/scott.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528002213/http://www.jmss.org/2008/winter/articles/scott.pdf|url-status=dead|title=India's drive for a 'Blue water' Navy by Dr. David Scott, International Relations, Brunel University|archive-date=28 May 2008|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thomaspmbarnett.com/published/12steps.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014183557/http://thomaspmbarnett.com/published/12steps.htm|url-status=dead|title=India's 12 Steps to a World-Class Navy|archive-date=14 October 2007|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref> New equipment programmes include: the lease of a nuclear-powered submarine INS ''Chakra'' from Russia, the ex-Soviet carrier {{INS|Vikramaditya}} and the first of the indigenously built [[INS Arihant|''Arihant''-class]] ballistic missile submarines by 2016, the first of the Scorpène-class submarines by 2016 and the indigenously built aircraft carrier [[Vikrant-class aircraft carrier|INS ''Vikrant'']] by 2018. The plan in the near future is to have two aircraft carriers at sea at all times, with a third docked up in maintenance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-01-08/rest-of-world/27886608_1_carrier-battle-aircraft-carrier-admiral-gorshkov|title=Carrier battle groups will add muscle to Navy power|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|website=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref> Other programmes include the ''Talwar'' and ''Shivalik'' frigates and the ''Kolkata''-class destroyers, all of which will be equipped with the [[BrahMos]] cruise missile. In a significant step towards India's pursuit for self-reliance in indigenous warship building, four anti-submarine ''Kamorta''-class stealth corvettes with features such as an [[Hull (watercraft)#Hull shapes|X Form Hull]] and inclined sides for low [[radar cross-section]], [[Infrared signature|infra-red suppression]], and [[acoustic quieting]] systems are being built for the Indian Navy.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}}
[[File:Visakhapatnam (D66) - P15B destroyer of Indian Navy during sea trials.jpg|thumb|[[Guided missile destroyer]] {{INS|Visakhapatnam|D66|1}}.|250x250px]]

Recent induction of the attack submarine INS ''Chakra'', and the development of INS ''Arihant'', make the Indian Navy one of six navies worldwide capable of building and operating nuclear-powered submarines.<ref>{{cite web|title=Navy Chief Assures Sea Trials of Homegrown Nuclear Submarine INS Arihant Soon |url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/830/navy-chief-assures-sea-trials-of-homegrown-nuclear-submarine-ins-arihant-soon.html |access-date=16 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002094342/http://www.defencenow.com/news/830/navy-chief-assures-sea-trials-of-homegrown-nuclear-submarine-ins-arihant-soon.html |archive-date= 2 October 2013 }}</ref> (Others include: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.) India also launched a 37,500-ton indigenous aircraft carrier {{INS|Vikrant|2013|6}} in August 2013 in its bid to join a select group of nations – the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia and France – capable of building such warships. It will undergo extensive tests in the next few years before it is commissioned into the navy. INS ''Vikrant'', is expected to carry [[MiG-29K|MiG 29K]] fighters and light combat aircraft such as the [[HAL Tejas]].

India is also set to become the first country to buy a military aircraft from Japan since World War II. India is expected to sign a deal for the purchase of six Utility [[ShinMaywa US-2|Seaplane Mark 2 (US-2)]] amphibian aircraft when Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] visits Japan from 31 August – 3 September 2014. The 47-tonne US-2 aircraft does not require a long airstrip to take off or to land. It is capable of taking off from land and water ({{convert|300|m|yd}}-stretch). It can carry loads of up to 18 tonnes and can be engaged in search and rescue operations. With a range of over {{convert|4500|km|mi}} it can patrol areas {{convert|1800|km|mi}} away and react to an emergency by landing 30 armed troops even in waves as high as {{convert|10|ft|m|}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=First time since WW-II, India to buy amphibious aircraft from Japan|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-first-time-since-ww-ii-india-to-buy-amphibious-aircraft-from-japan-2012934|publisher=DNA India|access-date=25 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825154430/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-first-time-since-ww-ii-india-to-buy-amphibious-aircraft-from-japan-2012934|archive-date=25 August 2014|date=23 August 2014}}</ref>

== Indian Air Force ==
{{Main|Indian Air Force}}

The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian armed forces. Its primary responsibility is to secure Indian [[airspace]] and to conduct [[aerial warfare]] during a conflict. It was officially established on 8 October 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the [[British Raj]] and the prefix ''Royal'' was added in 1945 in recognition of its services during World War II. After India achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947, the [[Royal Indian Air Force]] served the [[Dominion of India]], with the prefix being dropped when India became a republic in 1950. The Indian Air Force plays a crucial role in securing Indian airspace and also in India's power projection in South Asia and Indian Ocean. Therefore, modernising and expanding the Indian Air Force is a top priority for the Indian government. Over the years, the IAF has grown from a tactical force to one with transoceanic reach. The strategic reach emerges from induction of Force Multipliers like Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA), Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and credible strategic lift capabilities.

=== Aircraft ===
{{Main|List of active Indian military aircraft}}
[[File:Su-30 MKI firing Brahmos-ER.jpg|thumb|left|IAF [[Sukhoi Su-30MKI]] firing [[BrahMos]]-ER]]

Historically, the IAF has generally relied on Soviet, British, Israeli and French military craft and technology to support its growth. IAF's primary air superiority fighter with the additional capability to conduct air-ground (strike) missions is [[Sukhoi Su-30MKI]]. The IAF have placed an order for a total of 272 Su-30MKIs of which 205 are in service as of May 2015.{{Sfn|Subramaniam|2017}} The Mikoyan [[MiG-29]] is a dedicated air superiority fighter, and constitutes a second line of defence after the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. At present, 66 MiG-29s are in service, all of which are being upgraded to the MiG-29UPG standard. The [[Dassault Mirage 2000]] is the primary multirole fighter in service and the IAF operates 49 Mirage 2000Hs which are being upgraded to the Mirage 2000-5 MK2 standard. As part of the upgrade, the aircraft will also be equipped with MBDA's [[MICA (missile)|MICA]] family of medium-range missiles.<ref>{{cite web|title=India's Fighter Upgrades: Mirage 2000s Finally Get a Deal|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/indias-fighter-upgrades-mirage-2000s-next-02891/|access-date=2 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005013048/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/indias-fighter-upgrades-mirage-2000s-next-02891/|archive-date=5 October 2013}}</ref> To give the IAF fighters an edge in anti-ship and land attack roles, a smaller version of [[BrahMos]] missile is being developed to be integrated in Sukhoi Su-30MKI<ref>{{cite web|title=Smaller version of BrahMos missile being developed for IAF|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/smaller-version-of-brahmos-missile-being-developed-for-iaf_830168.html|access-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003203253/http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/smaller-version-of-brahmos-missile-being-developed-for-iaf_830168.html|archive-date=3 October 2013|date=19 February 2013}}</ref> and is expected to be delivered to IAF by 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=Air Force to receive BrahMos by 2015|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/air-force-to-receive-brahmos-by-2015-113112100703_1.html|newspaper=Business Standard India|access-date=22 November 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126003249/http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/air-force-to-receive-brahmos-by-2015-113112100703_1.html|archive-date=26 November 2013|date=22 November 2013}}</ref>

[[File:Indian Air Force Rafale.jpg|thumb|IAF [[Dassault Rafale|Rafale]] at [[Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport]], 6 February 2020]]
In the aerial refuelling (tanker) role, the IAF operates six [[Ilyushin Il-78]]MKIs. For strategic military transport operations the IAF uses the [[Ilyushin Il-76]], and has placed orders for 10 Boeing [[C-17 Globemaster III]], four of which were [[C-17 Globemaster III#Indian Air Force|delivered]] by November 2013. The [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|C-130J Super-Hercules]] planes of the IAF is used by special forces for combined Army-Air Force operations. There are six C-130Js in service and six more are planned to be procured.<ref>{{cite web|title=IAF looking to induct seven more C-17 aircraft:NAK Browne|agency=Press Trust of India|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-09-30/news/42537006_1_iaf-chief-nak-browne-c-17-aircraft|access-date=2 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref> The [[Antonov An-32]] serves as medium transport aircraft in the IAF.

As an airborne early warning system, the IAF operates the Israeli EL/W-2090 [[EL/M-2075|Phalcon]] Airborne Early Warning and Control System [[AEW&C]]. A total of three such systems are in service, with possible orders for two more.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pandit|first=Rajat|title=IAF will add two more Israeli AWACS to its fleet|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-08/india/30373087_1_fighters-during-combat-operations-360-degree-phalcon-early-warning-radar-air-defence-fighters|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318122502/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-08/india/30373087_1_fighters-during-combat-operations-360-degree-phalcon-early-warning-radar-air-defence-fighters|url-status=dead|archive-date=18 March 2012|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=2 October 2013}}</ref> The [[DRDO AEW&CS]] is a project of India's DRDO to develop an AEW&C system for the Indian Air Force. The DRDO AEWACS programme aims to deliver three radar-equipped surveillance aircraft to the Indian Air Force. The aircraft platform selected was the [[Embraer ERJ 145 family|Embraer ERJ 145]]. Three ERJ 145 were procured from Embraer at a cost of US$300 Million, including the contracted modifications to the airframe. Probable delivery date for the first batch of three is 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=DRDO AWACS first batch delivery by 2015|url=http://uvpcemecharocks.blogspot.in/2012/02/drdo-awacs-first-batch-delivery-by-2015.html|access-date=3 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215307/http://uvpcemecharocks.blogspot.in/2012/02/drdo-awacs-first-batch-delivery-by-2015.html|archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref>

=== Network-centric warfare ===
[[File:DrdoNetra.jpg|thumb|[[DRDO AEW&CS]].|left|251x251px]]
The Indian Air Force (IAF) made progress towards becoming a truly network-centric air force with the integration of [[Air Force Network]] (AFNET), a reliable and robust digital information grid that enables accurate and faster response to enemy threats, in 2010.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}} The modern, state-of-the-art AFNET is a fully secure communication network, providing IAF a critical link among its command and control centre, sensors such as the Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems, and attack platforms such as fighter aircraft and missile launchers. Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), an automated command and control system for Air Defence (AD) operations will ride the AFNet backbone integrating all ground-based and airborne sensors, AD weapon systems and C2 nodes.
[[File:C-130 J.jpg|thumb|A [[Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules|C-130 J]] tactical transport aircraft.|252x252px]]

Subsequent integration with other services networks and civil radars will provide an integrated Air Situation Picture to operators to carry out Air Defence role. AFNet will prove to be an effective [[force multiplier]] for intelligence analysis, mission planning and control, post-mission feedback and related activities like maintenance, logistics and administration. A comprehensive design with multi-layer security precautions for "Defence in Depth" have been planned by incorporating encryption technologies, Intrusion Prevention Systems to ensure the resistance of the IT system against information manipulation and eavesdropping.<ref>{{cite web|title=IAF's AFNET NCW Backbone Goes Live Next Week|date=8 September 2010 |url=http://www.livefistdefence.com/2010/09/iafs-afnet-goes-live-next-week.html|access-date=1 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004235808/http://www.livefistdefence.com/2010/09/iafs-afnet-goes-live-next-week.html|archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref>

In October 2013, IAF launched its own stand-alone ₹3 Billion (US$34 Million) cellular network, through which secure video calling and other information exchange facilities will be provided. The IAF also plans to issue around one hundred thousand mobile handsets to its personnel of the rank of sergeant and above to connect and provide secure 'end-point' connectivity to airborne forces deployed across the country. The captive network has been named 'Air Force Cellular'. While Phase I of the project will ensure mobile connectivity to all air combat units in the [[National Capital Region (India)|National Capital Region]], its Phase II will cover the rest of the bases.<ref>{{cite news|title=IAF launches own 3G cellular network|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/iaf-launches-own-3g-cellular-network-113102500946_1.html|newspaper=Business Standard India|access-date=25 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029194713/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/iaf-launches-own-3g-cellular-network-113102500946_1.html|archive-date=29 October 2013|date=25 October 2013|agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref>

=== Modernisation ===
{{Main|Future of the Indian Air Force}}
The [[Indian MRCA competition|Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition]], also known as the MRCA tender, was a competition to supply 126 multi-role combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Defence Ministry has allocated ~ US$13&nbsp;billion for the purchase of these aircraft, making it India's single largest defence deal. The MRCA tender was floated with the idea of filling the gap between its future Light Combat Aircraft and its in-service Sukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}} On 31 January 2012, it was announced that [[Dassault Rafale]] won the competition due to its lower life-cycle cost. However the tender was cancelled in July 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theindependent.in/modis-make-in-india-eats-into-nations-defense-capabilities/|title=theindependent.in : Modi's Make in India eats into Nation's Defense Capabilities|website=theindependent.in|date=3 October 2017 }}</ref> The Indian Air Force (IAF) is also in the final stages of acquiring 22 [[AH-64 Apache|Apache Longbow gunships]], armed with [[Hellfire missile|Hellfire]] and Stinger missiles in a $1.2&nbsp;billion contract and 15 heavy-lift [[Chinook helicopter|Boeing CH Chinook helicopters]].<ref name="economictimes.indiatimes.com">{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/here-is-why-apache-and-chinook-helicopters-are-game-changers-for-india/articleshow/49067786.cms|title=Here is why Apache and Chinook helicopters are game changers for India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924235402/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/here-is-why-apache-and-chinook-helicopters-are-game-changers-for-india/articleshow/49067786.cms|archive-date=24 September 2015|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=14 July 2018|last1=Pubby|first1=Manu}}</ref> The IAF has initiated the process for acquisition of additional [[Mi-17]] IV helicopters, heavy lift helicopters, Advanced Light Helicopter and Light Combat Helicopters. Among trainer aircraft, the [[BAE Systems Hawk|Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer]] has been inducted and the [[HAL HJT-36 Sitara|Intermediate Jet Trainer]] (IJT) would be acquired in the near future.
[[File:HAL Tejas LSP7 during a maiden firing of Astra Mk1 missile.webm|thumb|[[HAL Tejas]] firing [[Astra (missile)]]]]

In recent times, India has also manufactured its own aircraft such as the HAL Tejas, a 4th generation fighter, and the HAL Dhruv, a [[utility helicopter|multi-role]] helicopter, which has been exported to several countries, including Israel, Burma, Nepal and Ecuador. A weaponised version of Dhruv is called the HAL Rudra, which is armed with high-velocity M621 20&nbsp;mm cannon, long-range 70&nbsp;mm rockets (8&nbsp;km), air-to-air missiles (Mistral-II), and MAWS (missile approach warning system).<ref>{{cite web|title=ALH Rudra ready to spit fire|url=http://tarmak007.blogspot.in/2012/02/alh-rudra-ready-to-spit-fire-hal.html|access-date=1 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215307/http://tarmak007.blogspot.in/2012/02/alh-rudra-ready-to-spit-fire-hal.html|archive-date=4 October 2013|date=22 February 2012}}</ref> [[Kargil War|Combat in Kargil]] highlighted the requirement of an attack helicopter specially made for such high-altitude operations. The [[HAL Light Combat Helicopter]] (LCH) is a multi-role combat helicopter being developed in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for use by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army. The LCH is being designed to fit into an anti-infantry and anti-armour role and will be able to operate at high altitudes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.domain-b.com/aero/June/2007/20070620_hal.htm|title=domain-b.com : Paris Air Show: First flight of HAL's light combat helicopter in 2008|website=domain-b.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120014944/http://www.domain-b.com/aero/June/2007/20070620_hal.htm|archive-date=20 January 2015}}</ref> LCH will be fitted with indigenous anti-tank missile [[Nag (missile)|Helina]].
 
India also maintains [[unmanned aerial vehicle]] (UAV) squadrons (primarily [[IAI Searcher|Searcher-II]] and [[IAI Heron|Heron]] from Israel) which can be used to carry out ground and aerial surveillance.<ref>{{cite web|title=Israel sells heron UAVs to India and Australia|url=http://www.strategypage.com/militaryforums/512-20022.aspx#startofcomments|access-date=1 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929011438/http://www.strategypage.com/militaryforums/512-20022.aspx#startofcomments|archive-date=29 September 2013}}</ref> India is also testing its own long-range [[Beyond Visual Range missile]]| (BVR) an air-to-air missile named [[Astra Missile|Astra]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/08/stories/2009050855501300.htm |title=National : Astra missile test-fired |date=8 May 2009 |access-date=1 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090615003911/http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/08/stories/2009050855501300.htm |website=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=15 June 2009 }}</ref> and also building a Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) called [[DRDO Rustom|Rustom]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.drdo.com/dpi/SAsiaDefnStraRev_.pdf |title=Augmenting Capabilities |access-date=25 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102024254/http://drdo.com/dpi/SAsiaDefnStraRev_.pdf |archive-date=2 January 2010 }}</ref>

India is also in an ambitious collaboration programme with Russia to build [[Fifth-generation jet fighter|fifth-generation]] fighter aircraft, called [[FGFA|HAL/Sukhoi FGFA]] which will be based on the Russian [[Sukhoi Su-57]] fighter. Earlier in 2013, the two sides completed the preliminary design of the FGFA and are now negotiating a detailed design contract.<ref>{{cite news|title=India to customise Russia's FGFA planes|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/india-to-customise-russias-fgfa-planes/article5075134.ece|access-date=1 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003180837/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/india-to-customise-russias-fgfa-planes/article5075134.ece|archive-date=3 October 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=30 August 2013|last1=Radyuhin|first1=Vladimir}}</ref> Although there is no reliable information about the Su-57 and FGFA specifications yet, it is known from interviews with individuals in the Russian Air Force that it will be [[Stealth aircraft|stealthy]], have the ability to [[supercruise]], be outfitted with the next generation of air-to-air, air-to-surface, and air-to-ship missiles, and incorporate an [[AESA radar]].

Joint co-development and co-production of [[UAC/HAL Il-214|Multi-role Transport Aircraft]] (MTA), by Russian partners and HAL, is being launched to meet the requirements of the Russian and Indian Air Forces. The aircraft will be designed for the roles of a 15–20 ton cargo / troop transport, paratrooping / airdrop of supplies including Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System (LAPES) capability. It will be configured such that all types of cargo can be transported, and the aircraft would be capable of operating from semi-prepared runways. The MTA is expected to replace the Indian Air Force's ageing fleet of [[Antonov An-32]] transport aircraft. The aircraft is expected to conduct its first flight by 2017, and to enter service by 2018.<ref>{{cite web|title=Russian-Indian Military Transport JV Debuts at Aero India|url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-news-live-aeroindia/2013-02-05/russian-indian-military-transport-jv-debuts-aero-india|access-date=1 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004213233/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-news-live-aeroindia/2013-02-05/russian-indian-military-transport-jv-debuts-aero-india|archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref>{{needs update|date=July 2020}}

To protect IAF assets on the ground, there has been a search for short-range surface-to-air missile. India has begun deploying six [[Akash (missile)|Akash]] surface-to-air missile (SAM) squadrons in the northeast to deter Chinese jets, helicopters and drones against any misadventure in the region. The IAF has started taking delivery of the six Akash missile squadrons, which can "neutralise" multiple targets at a {{convert|25|km|mi}} interception range in all weather conditions, earmarked for the eastern theatre. The IAF has already deployed the first two Akash squadrons at the Mirage-2000 base in Gwalior and the Sukhoi base in Pune.<ref>{{cite news|title=With eye on China, India deploys Akash missiles in northeast|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/With-eye-on-China-India-deploys-Akash-missiles-in-northeast/articleshow/40645978.cms|work=The Times of India|date=22 August 2014 |access-date=24 August 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140824014404/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/With-eye-on-China-India-deploys-Akash-missiles-in-northeast/articleshow/40645978.cms|archive-date=24 August 2014}}</ref>

== Indian Coast Guard ==
[[File:Indian Coast Guard Chetak Helicopter picking up survivors from water during a mock drill during SAREX 2014 (2).jpg|thumb|300px|upright=1.25|[[Indian Coast Guard]] (ICG) helicopter takes a survivor to an ICG ship during a mock drill.]]
{{Main|Indian Coast Guard}}
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) protects India's maritime interests and enforces maritime law, with jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and [[exclusive economic zone]]. The Indian Coast Guard was formally established on 18 August 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India as an independent Armed force of India. It operates under the Ministry of Defence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mod.nic.in/aboutus/welcome.html|title=About The Ministry|date=9 May 2012|access-date=9 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509001243/http://mod.nic.in/aboutus/welcome.html|archive-date=9 May 2012}}</ref>

The Coast Guard works in close co-operation with the Indian Navy, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Revenue (Customs) and the Central and State police forces.

== Central Armed Police Forces ==
{{Main|Central Armed Police Forces}}
[[File:A Indian CRPF QRT operator.jpg|thumb|200px|A [[Central Reserve Police Force|CRPF]] QRT operator in full loadout]]
[[File:A Senior CoBRA Force Officer.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|200px|A [[Central Reserve Police Force|CRPF]] commando with the [[IWI Tavor X95]].]]

The following are the seven paramilitary police forces termed as [[Central Armed Police Forces]] (CAPFs).<ref>{{cite web|title=Central Armed Police Forces {{!}} Ministry of Home Affairs|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/about-us/central-armed-police-forces|publisher=[[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]]|access-date=1 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs |title=Working conditions in Border Guarding Forces (Assam Rifles, Sashastra Seema Bal, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Border Security Force) |date=12 December 2018 |publisher=[[Rajya Sabha]] |page=1 |url=https://rajyasabha.nic.in/rsnew/Committee_site/Committee_File/ReportFile/15/107/214_2019_11_11.pdf |access-date=18 August 2022 }}</ref> These forces were earlier referred to as the "central paramilitary forces". In 2011, the nomenclature CAPF was adopted to refer them.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ministry of Home Affairs |first1=Government of India |title=Office Memorandum |url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/OM2-020513.pdf |website=mha.gov.in |publisher=Director (Personnel), MHA |access-date=19 September 2020 |pages=1 |date=18 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ministry of Home Affairs |first1=Government of India |title=Office Memorandum |url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/OM1-020513.pdf |website=mha.gov.in |publisher=Director (Personnel), MHA |access-date=19 September 2020 |pages=1 |date=23 November 2012}}</ref>

=== Assam Rifles ===
{{Main|Assam Rifles}}

The Assam Rifles trace their lineage to a [[paramilitary]] police force that was formed under the British in 1835 called ''Cachar Levy''. Since then the Assam Rifles have undergone a number of name changes before the name Assam Rifles was finally adopted in 1917.<ref>The Assam Frontier Police (1883), the Assam Military Police (1891) and Eastern Bengal and Assam Military Police (1913), before finally becoming the Assam Rifles in 1917. See Sharma 2008.</ref> Over the course of its history, the Assam Rifles, and its predecessor units, have served in a number of roles, conflicts and theatres including World War I where they served in Europe and the Middle East, and World War II where they served mainly in Burma. In the post-World War II period, the Assam Rifles have expanded greatly as has their role. There are currently 46 battalions<ref name=History>See [http://assamrifles.net/site/aboutus.htm History of the Assam Rifles] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310015024/http://assamrifles.net/site/aboutus.htm |date=10 March 2009 }}</ref> of Assam Rifles under the control of the Indian [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] (MHA). They perform many roles including: the provision of internal security under the control of the army through the conduct of counter insurgency and border security operations, provision of aid to the civil power in times of emergency, and the provision of communications, medical assistance and education in remote areas.<ref name=Sharma>Sharma 2008.</ref> In times of war they can also be used as a combat force to secure rear areas if needed.

=== Central Reserve Police Force ===
{{Main|Central Reserve Police Force}}
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is the largest of the CAPFs with 325,000 personnel in 246 [[battalion]]s.<ref>{{cite web|author=GreaterKashmir.com (Greater Service) |url=http://greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Apr/18/crpf-all-set-for-image-makeover-17.asp |title=CRPF ALL SET FOR IMAGE MAKEOVER |publisher=Greaterkashmir.com |date=18 April 2011 |access-date=5 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040715/http://greaterkashmir.com/news/2011/Apr/18/crpf-all-set-for-image-makeover-17.asp |archive-date= 6 January 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zeenews.com/news588498.html |title=CRPF to induct 38 new battalions in the coming years |publisher=Zeenews.com |access-date=26 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091220035802/http://www.zeenews.com/news588498.html |archive-date=20 December 2009 |date=18 December 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/crpf-to-raise-37-new-battalions-by-2018/590266/ |title=CRPF to raise 37 new battalions by 2018 |work=The Indian Express |date=13 March 2010 |access-date=26 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110130020331/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/crpf-to-raise-37-new-battalions-by-2018/590266/ |archive-date=30 January 2011 }}</ref> The CRPF includes the [[Rapid Action Force]] (RAF), a 15 battalion anti-riot force trained to respond to sectarian violence, and the [[Commando Battalion for Resolute Action]] (COBRA), a 10 battalion strong anti-[[Naxalite]] force.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/COBRA-to-sting-Naxal-virus-new-force-gets-Centre-nod/354579/ |title=COBRA to sting Naxal virus: new force gets Centre nod |work=The Financial Express |date=29 August 2008 |access-date=26 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106060638/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/COBRA-to-sting-Naxal-virus-new-force-gets-Centre-nod/354579 |archive-date=6 January 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Organization Structure {{!}} Central Reserve Police Force, Government of India |url=https://crpf.gov.in/org-structure.htm |website=crpf.gov.in}}</ref>

=== Border Security Force ===
{{Main|Border Security Force}}
[[File:Women personnel of India's Border Security Force.jpg|thumb|Women personnel of [[Border Security Force]] at [[Wagah-Attari border ceremony|Attari-Wagah border]].|left|273x273px]]
The primary role of the Border Security Force (BSF) is to guard the land borders of the country, except the mountains. The sanctioned strength is 257,363{{Verify source|date=March 2023}} personnel in 186 battalions,<ref>{{cite web |author=IBTL |url=http://www.ibtl.in/video/6586/border-security-force-bsf--duty-unto-death-dec-1-1965-foundation-day/ |title=Border Security Force ( BSF ) – Duty unto Death &#124; Dec 1, 1965 Foundation Day&nbsp;– IBTL |publisher=Ibtl.in |date=1 December 2012 |access-date=5 January 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106042338/http://www.ibtl.in/video/6586/border-security-force-bsf--duty-unto-death-dec-1-1965-foundation-day/ |archive-date=6 January 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/first-ever-women-bsf-to-man-indian-borders/97425-3.html?from=rssfeed |title=First ever women BSF to guard the Indian borders |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |date=18 July 2009 |access-date=26 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102204205/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/first-ever-women-bsf-to-man-indian-borders/97425-3.html?from=rssfeed |archive-date=2 January 2014 }}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite web |url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/EnglAnnualReport2016-17_17042017.pdf |title=Government of India - Ministry of Home Affairs - Annual Report |date=12 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812061532/http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/EnglAnnualReport2016-17_17042017.pdf |archive-date=12 August 2017 }}</ref> and is headed by an [[Indian Police Service]] Officer.

=== Indo-Tibetan Border Police ===
{{Main|Indo-Tibetan Border Police}}
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is deployed for guard duties on the border with China from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Diphu La in Arunachal Pradesh covering a total distance of {{convert|2488|km|mi}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.archive.india.gov.in/govt/armedforces.php?id=16|title=Indo-Tibetan Border Police|publisher=Archive.india.gov.in|access-date=9 February 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112174707/http://www.archive.india.gov.in/govt/armedforces.php?id=16|archive-date=12 November 2013}}</ref> It has 90,000 personnel in 60 battalions.<ref name="hindustantimes1">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/ITBP-to-have-90-000-strong-force-by-2015/Article1-950206.aspx |title=ITBP to have 90,000-strong force by 2015 |work=Hindustan Times |date=26 October 2012 |access-date=5 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111124122/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/ITBP-to-have-90-000-strong-force-by-2015/Article1-950206.aspx |archive-date=11 January 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/itbp-to-get-15-new-battalions/532633/1 |title=ITBP to get 15 new battalions |work=The Indian Express |date=24 October 2009 |access-date=5 January 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115151307/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/itbp-to-get-15-new-battalions/532633/1 |archive-date=15 January 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Home {{!}} Indo Tibetan Border Police, Ministry of Home Affairs |url=http://itbpolice.nic.in/itbpwebsite/Aboutus_new/history&role/history&role.html |website=itbpolice.nic.in}}</ref>

=== Sashastra Seema Bal ===
{{Main|Sashastra Seema Bal}}
The objective of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is to guard the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan Borders. As of 2019, it has 94,261 active personnel in 73 battalions and a strength of 98,965 is sanctioned.<ref>{{cite web |title=Force Profile |url=https://www.ssb.nic.in/index1.aspx?lsid=37&lev=2&lid=9&langid=1&Cid=0 |website=ssb.nic.in/ |access-date=9 December 2019 |archive-date=2 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102163816/https://www.ssb.nic.in/index1.aspx?lsid=37&lev=2&lid=9&langid=1&Cid=0 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Central Industrial Security Force ===
{{Main|Central Industrial Security Force}}
One of the largest industrial security forces in the world, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) provides security to various [[Public sector undertakings in India|public sector companies]] (PSUs) and other critical infrastructure installations across the country, such as airports. It has a total strength of about 144,418 personnel in 132 battalions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cisf.nic.in/dgmsg.htm |title=About CISF |publisher=Cisf.nic.in |access-date=9 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209004400/http://cisf.nic.in/dgmsg.htm |archive-date= 9 February 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/govt-to-recruit-20-000-women-in-paramilitary-forces-in-3-years-105279 |title=Govt to recruit 20,000 women in paramilitary forces in 3 years |publisher=NDTV.com |date=12 May 2011 |access-date=5 January 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106050049/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/govt-to-recruit-20-000-women-in-paramilitary-forces-in-3-years-105279 |archive-date=6 January 2014 }}</ref><ref name="auto1" />

=== National Security Guard ===

The [[National Security Guard]] (NSG) is an elite counter-terrorist and rapid response force. Its roles include conducting anti-sabotage checks, rescuing hostages, neutralising terrorist threats to vital installations, engaging terrorists, responding to hijacking and piracy and protecting VIPs. It has 8636 personnel (including 1086 personnel for regional hubs.<ref>{{cite news |author=Praveen Swami |url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/article2277386.ece |title=The Indian fine art of faking security |newspaper=The Hindu |date=21 July 2011 |access-date=5 January 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040347/http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/article2277386.ece |archive-date=6 January 2014 }}</ref>). The NSG also includes the ''Special Ranger Group'' (SRG), whose 3,000 personnel provide protection to India's VVIPs.{{update inline|date=June 2017}}
[[File:Indian nsg operator during 2021 Republic Day parade.jpg|thumb|NSG operator with [[SIG MPX]], [[M249|M249 SAW]] and [[Heckler & Koch MP5|MP5]] during Republic Day parade in 2021.|303x303px]]

== Other forces ==
{{Further|Paramilitary forces of India}}

=== Special Frontier Force ===
{{Main|Special Frontier Force}}
The Special Frontier Force (SFF) is India's [[paramilitary]] unit. It was initially conceived in the post [[Sino-Indian war]] period as a guerrilla force composed mainly of [[Tibetan people|Tibetan]] [[refugees]] whose main goal was to conduct covert operations behind Chinese lines in case of another war between the People's Republic of China and India. Later, its composition and roles were expanded.

Based in [[Chakrata]], [[Uttarakhand]], SFF is also known as the ''Establishment 22''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chushigangdruk.org/history/history11.htm |title=Welcome chushigangdruk.org – Hostmonster.com |website=chushigangdruk.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117183849/http://www.chushigangdruk.org/history/history11.htm |archive-date=17 January 2016 }}</ref><ref>The SFF became morle famous within the administration as the "Establishment 22" because its first Inspector General (IG) Major Gen. [[Sujan Singh]], a [[Military Cross]] holder and a legendary figure in the [[British India Army]]. Singh commanded the [[22nd Mountain Regiment]] during [[World War II in Europe]] and a [[Long Range Desert Squadron]] (LRDS) in [[north Africa]].</ref> The force is under the direct supervision of the [[Research and Analysis Wing]], India's external [[intelligence agency]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodsargam.com/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=2813 |title=Bollywood Sargam – Special: Tibetan faujis in Bluestar |website=bollywoodsargam.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502133625/http://www.bollywoodsargam.com/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=2813 |archive-date= 2 May 2013 }}</ref>
=== Special Protection Group ===
{{Main|Special Protection Group}}
The Special Protection Group (SPG) was formed in 1988 by an act of the Parliament of India to "provide proximate security to the Prime Minister of India and former Prime Minister of India and members of their immediate families (wife, husband, children and parents)". For former Prime Ministers and their dependents, a regular review is held to decide whether the threat to their life is high enough to warrant SPG protection.

=== Railway Protection Force ===
{{Main|Railway Protection Force}}
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) was established under the ''Railway Protection Force Act 1957''. The RPF is charged with providing security for Indian Railways.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/coaching/pdf/RPF.pdf |title=Railway Protection Force |publisher=Indianrailways.gov.in |access-date=9 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015213916/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/coaching/pdf/RPF.pdf |archive-date=15 October 2013 }}</ref> It has a sanctioned strength of 75,000 personnel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/budget-2014/railway-budget-2014/RPF-may-find-getting-4000-women-recruits-tough/articleshow/38040374.cms|title=RPF may find getting 4,000 women recruits tough|website=The Times of India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117183847/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/budget-2014/railway-budget-2014/RPF-may-find-getting-4000-women-recruits-tough/articleshow/38040374.cms|archive-date=17 January 2016}}</ref>{{update inline|date=June 2017}}
[[File:NDRF Helislithering Training.JPG|thumb|right|300px|upright=0.8|[[National Disaster Response Force|NDRF]] personnel undergoing training]]

=== National Disaster Response Force ===
{{Main|National Disaster Response Force}}
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is a specialised force constituted "for the purpose of specialist response to a threatening disaster situation or disaster". It is manned by persons on deputation from the various [[Central Armed Police Forces]]. At present it has 12 battalions, located in different parts of India.<ref>{{cite web |title=NDRF Units {{!}} NDRF – National Disaster Response Force |url=http://ndrf.gov.in/ndrf-units |website=ndrf.gov.in}}</ref> The control of NDRF lies with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), which is headed by the [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]].

== Special Forces ==
{{Main|Special Forces of India|l1=Special Forces|Armed Forces Special Operations Division}}
The [[Special Forces of India]] are Indian military units<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Commandos Set Free|url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsf/20120423.aspx|access-date=18 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029194410/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsf/20120423.aspx|archive-date=29 October 2013}}</ref> with specialised training in the field of special operations such as" Direct action, [[Hostage rescue]], [[Counter-terrorism]], [[Unconventional warfare]], [[Special reconnaissance]], [[Foreign Internal Defence]], [[Personnel recovery]], [[Asymmetric warfare]] and [[Counter-proliferation]]. The various branches include,

* '''Para (Special Forces)''': Formed in 1966, the [[Para (Indian Special Forces)|Para (SF)]] are the largest and most important part of the Special Forces of India. They are a part of the highly trained [[Parachute Regiment (India)|Parachute Regiment]] of the [[Indian Army]].{{cn|date=February 2023}} The main aim of having a Parachute Regiment is for quick deployment of soldiers behind the enemy lines to attack the enemy from behind and destroy their first line of defence. Para (SF) conducted a series of joint exercises with US army special forces called ''Vajra Prahar''.
* '''Ghatak Force''':[[Ghatak Force|Ghatak Platoon]], or Ghatak Commandos, is a special operations capable infantry platoon. There is one platoon in every infantry battalion in the Indian Army. Ghatak is a Hindi word meaning "killer" or "lethal". They act as shock troops and spearhead assaults ahead of the battalion. Their operational role is similar to [[Scout Sniper Platoon]], [[STA platoon]] of the US Marine Corp and the Patrols platoon of the British Army. A Ghatak Platoon is usually 20-men strong, consisting of a commanding captain, 2 non-commissioned officers and some special teams like marksman and spotter pairs, light machine gunners, a medic, and a radio operator. The remaining soldiers act as assault troopers. Most undergo training at the Commando Training Course in [[Belgaum|Belagavi]], Karnataka. Often, other specialised training like heliborne assault, rock climbing, [[mountain warfare]], demolitions, advanced weapons training, close quarter battle and infantry tactics are also given. Members of the platoon are also sent to the High Altitude Warfare School and Counterinsurgency and Jungle Warfare School.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Army pulls in 'Ghatak Commandos' near LOC|url=http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.asp?get=new&id=1763|access-date=18 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130918110452/http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.asp?get=new&id=1763|archive-date=18 September 2013}}</ref>

[[File:Indian Marine Commandos prepare to enter a hatch during Visit, Board, Search and Seizure training during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022.jpg|thumb|right|MARCOS prepare to enter a hatch during VBSS training during RIMPAC 2022]]
* '''Marine Commandos (MARCOS)''': [[MARCOS|Marine Commandos (MARCOS)]] is an elite special operations unit of the Indian Navy.<ref>{{cite web|title=INS Abhimanyu |url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/about-indian-navy/ins-abhimanyu |access-date=18 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024172117/http://indiannavy.nic.in/about-indian-navy/ins-abhimanyu |archive-date=24 October 2013 }}</ref> It is specially organised, trained and equipped for the conduct of special operations in a maritime environment. The force has gradually acquired experience and a reputation for professionalism over the two decades it has been in existence. Now it is one of the finest Special Forces units in the world and among the few units qualified to jump in the water with a full combat load. The MARCOS are capable of undertaking operations in all types of terrain, but are specialised in maritime operations in Jammu and Kashmir through the [[Jhelum]] River and [[Wular]] Lake.<ref>{{cite web|title=CROCODILES OF WULLAR |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Special/166-Crocodiles-Of-Wullar.html |access-date=18 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008144813/http://bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Special/166-Crocodiles-Of-Wullar.html |archive-date=8 October 2013 }}</ref> To strengthen its capabilities to carry out special operations, the navy is planning to procure advanced Integrated Combat System (ICS) for the MARCOS. The Navy wants the ICS for effective command, control and information sharing to maximise capabilities of individuals and groups of the MARCOS while engaging enemies.<ref>{{cite web|title=Who are MARCOS|url=http://joinindianforce.wordpress.com/tag/marcos/|access-date=18 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303163131/http://joinindianforce.wordpress.com/tag/marcos/|archive-date=3 March 2014}}</ref>{{update inline|date=June 2017}} The individual equipment required by the navy in the ICS includes light weight helmets, head-mounted displays, tactical and soft ballistic vests along with communication equipment. The group-level gear requirements include command and control and surveillance systems along with high speed communication equipment.

* '''Garud Commando Force''': The [[Garud Commando Force]] is the Special Forces unit of the Indian Air Force. It was formed in September 2004 and has a strength of approximately 2000 personnel.{{update inline|date=June 2017}} The unit derives its name from Garuda, a divine bird-like creature of Hindu Mythology. Garud is tasked with the protection of critical Air Force bases and installations; search and rescue during peace and hostilities and disaster relief during calamities.<ref name="PIB Sep 07">{{cite press release | title = Constitution of Commando Force | publisher = Press Information Bureau, [[Government of India]] | date = 18 December 2003 | url = http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=262 | access-date = 25 July 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150904084047/http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=262 | archive-date = 4 September 2015 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Garuds are deployed in the Congo as part of the UN peace keeping operations.

== Weapons of mass destruction ==
{{Main|India and weapons of mass destruction}}

=== Chemical and biological weapons ===
In 1992 India signed the [[Chemical Weapons Convention]] (CWC), stating that it did not have chemical weapons or the capacity or capability to manufacture them. By so doing, India became one of the original signators of the Chemical Weapons Convention [CWC] in 1993, and ratified it on 2 September 1996. In June 1997, India declared its stock of chemical weapons (1,044 tonnes of [[sulphur mustard]]) had been destroyed. By the end of 2006, India had destroyed more than 75 percent of its chemical weapons/material stockpile and was granted an extension to destroying the remaining stocks by April 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nti.org/learn/countries/india/chemical/ |title=NTI-India-Chemical |website=nti.org |publisher=Nuclear Threat Initiative |access-date=25 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608225457/http://www.nti.org/learn/countries/india/chemical/ |archive-date=8 June 2017 }}</ref> It was expected to achieve 100 percent destruction within that time frame. India informed the United Nations in May 2009 that it had destroyed its stockpile of chemical weapons in compliance with the international Chemical Weapons Convention. With this India has become third country after South Korea and Albania to do so. This was cross-checked by United Nations' inspectors.

India has also ratified the [[Biological Weapons Convention]] (January 1973) and pledges to abide by its obligations. There is no clear evidence, circumstantial or otherwise, that directly points toward an offensive biological weapons programme. India does possess the scientific capability and infrastructure to launch such an offensive programme, but has chosen not to do so.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}}

=== Nuclear weapons ===
{{Main|India and weapons of mass destruction|Nuclear Command Authority (India)|Strategic Forces Command}}
India has been in possession of [[nuclear weapon]]s since 1974. Its most recent nuclear test took place on 11 May 1998, when [[Operation Shakti]] (Pokhran-II) was initiated with the detonation of one [[Fusion bomb|fusion]] and three [[Fission bomb|fission]] bombs. On 13 May 1998, two additional fission devices were detonated. However, India maintains a "no-first use" and a nuclear deterrence policy against nuclear adversaries. Its nuclear doctrine envisages building a credible minimum deterrent for maintaining a "second strike capability" which would be massive and designed to induce unacceptable damage on the enemy.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kanwal|first=Gurmeet|title=India's Nuclear Doctrine and Policy|url=http://www.idsa-india.org/an-feb-1.01.htm|access-date=1 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215144/http://www.idsa-india.org/an-feb-1.01.htm|archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref> India is one of only four nations in the world to possess a [[Nuclear triad]]. India's nuclear missiles include the [[Prithvi missile|Prithvi]], the [[Agni missile system|Agni]] the [[Shaurya missile|Shaurya]], the [[Sagarika (missile)|Sagarika]], the Dhanush, and others. India conducted its first test with the [[Agni-V]] in April 2012 and a second test in September 2013. With its {{convert|5000|km|mi}} range, it can carry a nuclear warhead to the east to include all of China, and to the west deep into Europe.<ref>{{cite news|title=None can intercept Agni-V: Chander|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 18 September 2013|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/none-can-intercept-agniv-chander/article5139186.ece?homepage=true|access-date=18 September 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004212615/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/none-can-intercept-agniv-chander/article5139186.ece?homepage=true|archive-date=4 October 2013|last1 = Mallikarjun|first1 = Y.}}</ref> Agni-VI, with a perceived range of {{convert|6000|-|8000|km|mi}} is also under development with features like [[Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle|multiple independently targetable re-entry warheads]] (MIRVs).<ref>{{cite news|title=Advanced Agni-6 missile with multiple warheads likely by 2017|newspaper=Business Standard India|date=8 May 2013|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/advanced-agni-6-missile-with-multiple-warheads-likely-by-2017-113050800034_1.html|access-date=1 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215353/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/advanced-agni-6-missile-with-multiple-warheads-likely-by-2017-113050800034_1.html|archive-date=4 October 2013|last1=Shukla|first1=Ajai}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Subramanian|first=T.S.|title=Agni-VI all set to take shape|newspaper=The Hindu|date=4 February 2013|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/agnivi-all-set-to-take-shape/article4379416.ece?homepage=true|access-date=1 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004212847/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/agnivi-all-set-to-take-shape/article4379416.ece?homepage=true|archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref>

India also has bomber aircraft such as the [[Tupolev Tu-142]] as well as fighter jets like the 
[[Dassault Rafale]], 
[[Sukhoi Su-30MKI]], the [[Dassault Mirage 2000]], the [[MiG-29]] and the [[HAL Tejas]] capable of being armed with nuclear tipped bombs and missiles.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fas.org/nuke/guide/india/aircraft/index.html |title=India Aircraft Special Weapons Delivery Systems |publisher=Fas.org |access-date=1 August 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100904074343/http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/india/aircraft/index.html |archive-date=4 September 2010 }}</ref> Since India does not have a nuclear first use policy against an adversary, it becomes important to protect from a first strike. This protection is being developed in the form of the two layered [[Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme|Anti-ballistic missile defence]] system.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}}

India's [[Strategic Nuclear Command]] controls its land-based nuclear warheads, while the navy controls the ship and submarine based missiles and the air force the air-based warheads. India's nuclear warheads are deployed in five areas:
# Ship based mobile, like the [[Dhanush (missile)|Dhanush]]. (operational)
# Land-based mobile, like the [[Agni missile system|Agni]]. (operational)
# Fixed underground silos (operational)
# Submarine based, like the [[Sagarika (missile)|Sagarika]]. (operational)<ref name="India_triad" />
# Air-based warheads of the Indian Air Forces' [[India and weapons of mass destruction#Nuclear-capable aircraft|strategic bomber force]] like the [[Dassault Mirage 2000]] and the [[SEPECAT Jaguar|Jaguar]] (operational)
[[File:Agni-V during its first test flight.jpg|thumb|The Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile.]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ style="color:#f116;"| {{bigger|Land-based nuclear armed ballistic missiles}}
|- style="color:#fff;"
!style="background:#f93;"| Name
!style="background:#f93;"| Type
!style="background:#f93;"| Range (km)
!style="background:#f93;"| Status
|-
| '''[[Prithvi (missile)|Prithvi-I]]'''{{nbsp|2}} || [[Short-range ballistic missile]] || 150 <td rowspan="8">Deployed</td></tr>

| '''[[Prithvi (missile)|Prithvi-II]]'''{{nbsp|2}} || Short-range ballistic missile || 250–350 </tr>
| '''[[Prithvi (missile)|Prithvi-III]]'''{{nbsp|2}} || Short-range ballistic missile || 350–600 </tr>
| '''[[Agni-I]]'''   || Short / [[Medium-range ballistic missile]] || 700–1,250 </tr>
| '''[[Agni-II]]'''  || Medium-range ballistic missile || 2,000–3,000 </tr>
| '''[[Agni-III]]''' || [[Intermediate-range ballistic missile]]{{nbsp|2}} || 3,500–5,000 </tr>
|-
| '''[[Agni-IV]]'''  || Intermediate-range ballistic missile || 4,000&nbsp;km </tr>

| '''[[Agni-V]]'''   ||Intermediate / [[Intercontinental ballistic missile]] and MIRV<td>5,000–8,000</td></tr>
|-
| '''[[Agni-VI]]'''  || Intercontinental ballistic missile and MIRV || 8,000–12,000 || Under development </tr>

| '''[[Surya missile|Surya]]'''  || Intercontinental ballistic missile and MIRV || 12,000–16,000 || Unconfirmed </tr>
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|+ style="color:#f116;"| {{bigger|Sea-based nuclear armed ballistic missiles}}
|- style="color:#fff;"
!style="background:#f93;"| Name
!style="background:#f93;"| Type
!style="background:#f93;"| Range (km/mi)
!style="background:#f93;"| Status
|-
| '''[[Prithvi missile|Dhanush]]''' || Short-range ballistic missile || {{cvt|350|km|mi}} || Operational
|-
| '''[[Sagarika (missile)|Sagarika (K-15)]]''' || [[Submarine-launched ballistic missile]] || {{cvt|700|km|mi}} || Operational<ref name="India_triad" />
|-
| '''[[K-4 (SLBM)|K-4]]''' ||[[Submarine-launched ballistic missile]]|| 3,500 || Tested<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/india-test-fires-long-range-n-missile-launched-from-under-sea-114032501060_1.html|title=India test fires long range N-missile launched from under sea|agency=Press Trust of India|date=25 March 2014|newspaper=Business Standard India|access-date=27 July 2015}}</ref>
|- 
| '''[[K-5 (ballistic missile)|K-5]]''' ||[[Submarine-launched ballistic missile]]|| 5,000 || Under Development<ref>{{cite web |last1=Keck |first1=Zachary |title=India's First Ballistic Missile Sub to Begin Sea Trials |url=https://thediplomat.com/2013/07/indias-first-ballistic-missile-sub-to-begin-sea-trials/ |website=The Diplomat |date=30 July 2013}}</ref>
|-
| '''[[K-6 (missile)|K-6]]''' || [[Submarine-launched ballistic missile]]|| 6,000 || Under Development<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2018/dec/15/maiden-trial-of-pralay-k5-likely-soon-1911623.html|title=DRDO on long range Pralay, K5 to stalemate China soon|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=18 February 2020}}</ref>
|}

==== Nuclear-armed cruise missiles ====
'''BrahMos:'''
{{Main|BrahMos}}
[[File:BrahMos fired from INS Chennai during TROPEX 2017.jpg|thumb|300px|[[INS Chennai (D65)|INS Chennai]] firing [[BrahMos (missile)]].]]
The BrahMos is a Mach 3 Supersonic Cruise Missile developed in collaboration with Russia. Its land attack and anti-ship variants are in service with the Indian Army and Indian Navy. Sub-Launched and Air Launched variants are under development or testing.

*BrahMos II
{{Main|BrahMos-II}}
The BrahMos II is a Mach 7 Hypersonic Cruise Missile being developed in collaboration with Russia.

'''Nirbhay:'''
{{Main|Nirbhay}}
The Nirbhay is a Long Range Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile. This Missile has a range of over {{convert|1000|km|mi}}.<ref name=toi19j>{{cite news|title=Nirbhay to be test-fired in February|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-19/india/36431317_1_v-k-saraswat-long-range-cruise-missile-agni-iv|access-date=19 January 2013|date=19 January 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070720/asp/nation/story_8080771.asp|title=The Telegraph – Calcutta : Nation|website=The Telegraph|location=Kolkota|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924135149/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070720/asp/nation/story_8080771.asp|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref>

==== Other missiles ====

'''Akash:'''
{{Main|Akash (missile)}}
The Aakash is a medium-range, mobile [[surface-to-air missile]] defence system.<ref name=ak>{{Cite web|url=https://www.domainmarket.com/buynow/akashsam.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228145415/http://www.akashsam.com/akashmissile.htm|url-status=dead|title=akashsam.com is available at DomainMarket.com|archive-date=28 December 2012|website=akashsam.com is available at DomainMarket.com|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite book  |title= International Electronic Countermeasures Handbook |publisher= Artech House |year= 2004 |isbn=978-1-58053-898-5|chapter=Guided Threat Systems|page=115}}</ref> The missile system can target aircraft up to {{convert|30|km|mi}} away, at altitudes up to {{convert|18000|m|yd}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.asiantribune.com/oldsite/show_news.php?id=12250|title=Asian tribune: Upgraded version of 'Aakash' test fired; By Hemanta Kumar Rout|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref>

'''Nag:'''
{{Main|Nag (missile)}}
The Nag is a third generation "[[Fire-and-forget]]" [[Anti-tank guided missile|anti-tank missile]] developed in India. It is one of five missile systems developed by the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) under the [[Integrated Guided Missile Development Program]] (IGMDP).

'''HELINA:'''
{{Main|HELINA (missile)}}
The HELINA is a variant of the NAG Missile to be launched from a helicopter.<ref name="drdl-projects">{{cite web
 |title=DRDL: Areas of Work
 |url=http://drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs/DRDL/English/index.jsp?pg=AreasWork.jsp
 |access-date=31 May 2012
|url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210114900/http://drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs/DRDL/English/index.jsp?pg=AreasWork.jsp
 |archive-date=10 February 2012
}}</ref> It will be structurally different from the Nag.

'''Shaurya:'''

{{Main|Shaurya (missile)}}
The Shaurya is a canister launched [[hypersonic]] [[surface-to-surface missile|surface-to-surface]] [[Tactical ballistic missile|tactical missile]] with a range more than {{convert|750|km|mi}}.<ref name="indiaresearch.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaresearch.org/Shourya_Missile.pdf |title=Shourya/Sagarika Missile |access-date=5 August 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817013504/http://indiaresearch.org/Shourya_Missile.pdf |archive-date=17 August 2016 }}</ref> It provides the potential to strike an adversary in the short-intermediate range.<ref name=a1>{{cite web|url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/India-successfully-test-fires-Shaurya-missile/384746/ |title=India successfully test fires 'Shaurya' missile |work=The Indian Express |date=12 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916081502/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/India-successfully-test-fires-Shaurya-missile/384746/ |archive-date=16 September 2012 }}</ref><ref name="hindu20081114">{{cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/14/stories/2008111456561300.htm|title=News Archives|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113082002/http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/14/stories/2008111456561300.htm|website=[[The Hindu]]|date=14 November 2008|archive-date=13 November 2013}}</ref>

'''Prahaar''':
{{Main|Prahaar (missile)}}
The Prahaar is a solid-fuelled surface-to-surface guided short-range tactical ballistic missile.<ref>{{cite news |author=Y. Mallikarjun |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2154015.ece |title=India all set to test new short-range tactical missile |newspaper=The Hindu |location=India |date=3 July 2011 |access-date=20 October 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112211729/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2154015.ece |archive-date=12 November 2011 }}</ref>

'''Astra:'''
{{Main|Astra (missile)}}
The Astra is a "Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile" (BVRAAM) developed for the Indian Air Force.<ref>{{cite news
 | title = Astra BVRAAM more complex than Agni missiles
 | newspaper = Domain-B
 | location = Balasore
 | date = 31 August 1998
| url = http://www.domain-b.com/aero/mil_avi/miss_muni/20100112_agni_missiles_oneView.html
 | access-date = 31 May 2012
| url-status = live
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150612152743/http://www.domain-b.com/aero/mil_avi/miss_muni/20100112_agni_missiles_oneView.html
 | archive-date = 12 June 2015
| df = dmy-all
 }}</ref>

=== India's nuclear doctrine ===

India has a declared nuclear [[No first use|no-first-use]] policy and is in the process of developing a nuclear doctrine based on "credible [[minimum deterrence]]". In August 1999, the Indian government released a draft of the doctrine<ref name=NFU>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianembassy.org/policy/CTBT/nuclear_doctrine_aug_17_1999.html |title=Draft Report of National Security Advisory Board on Indian Nuclear Doctrine |publisher=Indianembassy.org |access-date=30 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205231912/http://www.indianembassy.org/policy/CTBT/nuclear_doctrine_aug_17_1999.html |archive-date=5 December 2009 }}</ref> which asserts that nuclear weapons are solely for deterrence and that India will pursue a policy of "retaliation only". The document also maintains that India "will not be the first to initiate a nuclear first strike, but will respond with punitive retaliation should deterrence fail".<ref name=NFU />

The fourth [[National Security Advisor (India)|National Security Advisor]] of India [[Shivshankar Menon]] signalled a significant shift from "[[no first use]]" to "no first use against non-nuclear weapon states" in a speech on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the [[National Defence College, India|National Defence College]] in New Delhi on 21 October 2010, a doctrine Menon said reflected India's "strategic culture, with its emphasis on minimal deterrence".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/798/Speech+by+NSA+Shri+Shivshankar+Menon+at+NDC+on+The+Role+of+Force+in+Strategic+Affairs|title=Speech by NSA Shri Shivshankar Menon at NDC on 'The Role of Force in Strategic Affairs'|website=mea.gov.in|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref> However, whether the policy shift actually took place or not is unclear.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/DidIndiaChangeitsNuclearDoctrine_vnarang_010311|title=Did India Change its Nuclear Doctrine?: Much Ado about Nothing|website=idsa.in|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618173408/http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/DidIndiaChangeitsNuclearDoctrine_vnarang_010311|archive-date=18 June 2015}}</ref> Some argued that this was not a substantive change but "an innocent typographical or lexical error in the text of the speech".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://idsa.in/idsacomments/DidIndiaChangeitsNuclearDoctrine_vnarang_010311|title=Did India Change its Nuclear Doctrine?: Much Ado about Nothing|website=idsa.in|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618173408/http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/DidIndiaChangeitsNuclearDoctrine_vnarang_010311|archive-date=18 June 2015|access-date=19 June 2015}}</ref> India's current PM Modi has, in the run up to the recent general elections, reiterated commitment to no first use policy.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/uk-india-election-nuclear-idINKBN0D20QB20140416|title=Modi says committed to no first use of nuclear weapons|website=Reuters India|date=16 April 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150428054309/http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/04/16/uk-india-election-nuclear-idINKBN0D20QB20140416|archive-date=28 April 2015}}</ref> In April 2013 [[Shyam Saran]], convener of the [[National Security Advisory Board]], affirmed that regardless of the size of a nuclear "attack against India," be it a miniaturised version or a "big" missile, India will "retaliate massively to inflict unacceptable damage".<ref>{{cite news|last=Bagchi |first=Indrani |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/even-a-midget-nuke-strike-will-lead-to-massive-retaliation-india-warns-pak/articleshow/19795988.cms |title=Even a midget nuke strike will lead to massive retaliation, India warns Pak – The Economic Times |newspaper=The Economic Times |date=30 April 2013 |access-date=30 April 2013}}</ref> Here, the term "attack against India" means attack against the "Union of India" or "Indian forces anywhere".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://idsa.in/cbwmagazine/IndiaResponsetoCBWAttack_aahmed_1008.html|title=India's Response to CBW attack|website=idsa.in|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508150427/http://idsa.in/cbwmagazine/IndiaResponsetoCBWAttack_aahmed_1008.html|archive-date=8 May 2015}}</ref>

== Missile defence programme ==
{{Main|Guided missiles of India}}
[[India]]'s missile defence network has two principal components – the Air Defence Ground Environment System (ADGES) and the Base Air Defence Zones (BADZ). The ADGES network provides for wide area radar coverage and permits the detection and interception of most aerial incursions into Indian airspace. The BADZ system is far more concentrated with [[radars]], [[interceptor aircraft|interceptors]], [[surface-to-air missile]]s (SAMs) and [[anti-aircraft artillery]] (AAA) units working together to provide an intense and highly effective defensive barrier to attacks on vital targets.<ref name=BR>{{cite web|title=Ballistic Missile Defence for India|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Today/Contemporary/328-BMD.html|publisher=Bharat Rakshak|access-date=22 August 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120802193532/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Today/Contemporary/328-BMD.html|archive-date=2 August 2012}}</ref>

=== Ballistic missile defence ===
{{Main|Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Program}}
[[File:AAD Test Crop.jpg|thumb|right|Launching of an Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile.|333x333px]]

The Ballistic Missile Defence Program is an initiative to develop and deploy a multi-layered [[ballistic missile defence]] system to protect India from [[ballistic missile]] attacks.<ref name="IHT">{{cite web |last=Pollack |first=Andrew |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/12/04/asia/AS_GEN_India_Missile_System.php |title=India expects to use missile interception system as a weapon, top scientist says |work=International Herald Tribune |access-date=19 April 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311004546/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2006/12/04/asia/AS_GEN_India_Missile_System.php |archive-date=11 March 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/03/stories/2006120312940100.htm |title=India developing new missiles Towards destroying hostile missiles |date=3 December 2006 |access-date=19 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629092610/http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/03/stories/2006120312940100.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=29 June 2013 }}</ref>

Introduced in light of the ballistic missile threat from Pakistan,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080202110808/http://www.indiatoday.com/itoday/20061211/defence.shtml%26SET%3DT The New Guardian]''India unveils an all new anti-ballistic missile expected to be the fore-runner of a sophisticated air defence system to thwart, among other threats, a [[Pakistan]]i nuclear weapons attack''</ref> it is a double-tiered system consisting of two [[Anti-ballistic missile|interceptor missiles]], namely the [[Prithvi Air Defence]] (PAD) missile for high-altitude interception, and the [[Advanced Air Defence (AAD)]] Missile for lower altitude interception. The two-tiered shield should be able to intercept any incoming missile launched {{convert|5000|km|mi}} away.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hF8vr43UZ29RmlnKWgtpAmQs81Lg |title=India tests interceptor missile |date=6 March 2009 |access-date=19 April 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602000349/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hF8vr43UZ29RmlnKWgtpAmQs81Lg |archive-date=2 June 2013 }}</ref>

PAD was tested in November 2006, followed by AAD in December 2007. With the test of the PAD missile, India became the fourth country to have successfully developed an anti-ballistic missile system, after the [[United States]], [[Russia]] and [[Israel]].<ref>{{cite press release | title = Development of Ballistic Missile Defence System: Year End Review | publisher = [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] | date = 28 December 2007 | url = http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=34262 | access-date = 26 January 2008 | url-status = live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080105043512/http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=34262 | archive-date = 5 January 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> On 6 March 2009, India again successfully tested its missile defence shield, during which an incoming "enemy" missile was intercepted at an altitude of {{convert|75|km|mi}}.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pollack |first=Andrew |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/03/06/asia/AS-India-Missile-Defense.php |title=India successfully tests missile interceptor |work=International Herald Tribune |access-date=19 April 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310002406/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/03/06/asia/AS-India-Missile-Defense.php |archive-date=10 March 2009 }}</ref>

On 6 May 2012, it was announced that Phase-I is complete and can be deployed on short notice to protect Indian cities.<ref>{{cite web |author=Rajat Pandit|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_on_way_to_joining_exclusive_BMD_club/rssarticleshow/2570683.cms |title=India on way to joining exclusive BMD club |work=The Times of India |date=26 November 2007 |access-date=19 April 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513163850/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_on_way_to_joining_exclusive_BMD_club/rssarticleshow/2570683.cms |archive-date=13 May 2013 }}</ref><ref name="thehindu.com">{{cite news |agency=Press Trust of India |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3390404.ece |title=Missile defence shield ready: DRDO chief |newspaper=The Hindu|date=6 May 2012 |access-date=19 April 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114022736/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3390404.ece |archive-date=14 January 2013 }}</ref> [[New Delhi]], the national capital, and [[Mumbai]], have been selected for the ballistic missile defence shield.<ref>{{cite news| url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Delhi-Mumbai-selected-for-ballistic-missile-defence-shield/articleshow/14370157.cms| title= Delhi, Mumbai selected for ballistic missile defence shield| date= 24 June 2012| work= The Times of India| url-status= live| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120624214841/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Delhi-Mumbai-selected-for-ballistic-missile-defence-shield/articleshow/14370157.cms| archive-date= 24 June 2012| df= dmy-all}}</ref> After successful implementation in Delhi and Mumbai, the system will be used to cover other major cities in the country.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/delhi-mumbai-to-get-missile-defence-shield-235328 |title=Delhi, Mumbai to get missile defence shield – NDTV News |publisher=Ndtv.com |date=24 June 2012 |access-date=19 April 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412170400/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/delhi-mumbai-to-get-missile-defence-shield-235328 |archive-date=12 April 2013 }}</ref> This shield can destroy incoming ballistic missiles launched from as far as {{convert|2500|km|mi}} away. When the Phase II is completed and the PDV is developed, the two anti-ballistic missiles can intercept targets up to {{convert|5000|km|mi}} both at exo and endo-atmospheric (inside the atmosphere) regions. The missiles will work in tandem to ensure a hit probability of 99.8 percent.<ref name=IBNLiveA>{{cite news|title=More Teeth to Defence System|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/more-teeth-to-defence-system/230239-60-117.html|access-date=27 July 2012|publisher=CNN-IBN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |agency=Press Trust of India |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/delhi-mumbai-to-be-first-provided-with-missile-defence-shield/articleshow/14370434.cms |title=Delhi, Mumbai to be first provided with missile defence shield |newspaper=The Economic Times|date=24 June 2012 |access-date=19 April 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519045307/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/delhi-mumbai-to-be-first-provided-with-missile-defence-shield/articleshow/14370434.cms |archive-date=19 May 2014 }}</ref> This system can handle multiple targets simultaneously with multiple interceptors.{{cn|date=February 2023}}

India is reported to have procured a squadron of [[S-300VM|S-300V]] systems which are in use as an anti-tactical ballistic missile screen.<ref name=BR-2>{{cite news|title=Strategic Air Defences in a Nuclear South-Asia|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Today/Contemporary/325-SAD.html|access-date=22 August 2012|newspaper=Bharat-Rakshak|date=2 July 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120804052802/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Today/Contemporary/325-SAD.html|archive-date=4 August 2012}}</ref><ref name=DNews>{{cite news|title=India To Boost Airfield Defenses|url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120410/DEFREG03/304100001/India-Boost-Airfield-Defenses|access-date=22 August 2012|newspaper=DefenceNews|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref>

=== Cruise missile defence ===
Defending against an attack by a cruise missile on the other hand is similar to tackling low-flying manned aircraft and hence most methods of aircraft defence can be used for a cruise missile defence system. To ward off the threats of nuclear-tipped cruise missile attack India has a new missile defence programme which will be focused solely on intercepting cruise missiles. The technological breakthrough has been created with an AAD missile.<ref name=IBNLiveB>{{cite news|title=India discovers methods to face missile wars|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/missile-wars-india-prepares-itself-after-cruise-missile-tests-by-pak/54298-3.html|access-date=8 August 2012|publisher=CNN-IBN|date=16 December 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref>
DRDO Chief, Dr. [[V K Saraswat]] stated in an interview: "Our studies have indicated that this AAD will be able to handle a cruise missile intercept."<ref name=IBNLIVE>{{cite news|title=India discovers methods to face missile wars|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/missile-wars-india-prepares-itself-after-cruise-missile-tests-by-pak/54298-3.html|access-date=8 August 2012|newspaper=IBNLive|date=16 December 2007|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref>

Furthermore, India is acquiring airborne radars like [[Airborne early warning and control|AWACS]] to ensure detection of cruise missiles in order to stay on top of the threat.<ref name=IBNLIVE />

[[Barak-8]] is a long-range anti-air and anti-missile naval defence system being developed jointly by [[Israel Aerospace Industries]] (IAI) and the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) of India.<ref name=NT>{{cite news|title=Naval Barak-8 Missiles, Israel, India|url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/naval-barak-8-surface-air-missiles/|access-date=8 August 2012|newspaper=Naval Technology|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808005150/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/naval-barak-8-surface-air-missiles|archive-date=8 August 2012}}{{unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=August 2016}}</ref> The Indian Army is considering the induction of a variant of the Barak 8 missile to meet its requirement for a medium-range [[surface-to-air]] air defence missile. The naval version of this missile has the capability to intercept incoming enemy cruise missiles and combat jets targeting its warships at sea.<ref name=IANS>{{cite news|title=February trial for naval air defence missile|url=http://in.news.yahoo.com/february-trial-naval-air-defence-missile-103543198.html|access-date=8 August 2012|newspaper=Indo-Asian News service|date=16 November 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614193055/https://in.news.yahoo.com/february-trial-naval-air-defence-missile-103543198.html|archive-date=14 June 2015}}</ref> It would also be inducted into the Indian Air Force, followed by the Army.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/lrsam-flighttested-successfully-in-israel/article6591545.ece|title=LRSAM flight tested successfully in Israel|author=Special Correspondent|newspaper=The Hindu|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126184947/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/lrsam-flighttested-successfully-in-israel/article6591545.ece|archive-date=26 November 2014|date=12 November 2014}}</ref> Recently developed, India's [[Akash (missile)|Akash]] missile defence system also has the capability to "neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/akash-missile-successfully-test-fired-for-second-day/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706133433/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/akash-missile-successfully-test-fired-for-second-day/|url-status=dead|title=Akash missile successfully test fired for second day|date=18 November 2014|archive-date=6 July 2015|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-successfully-test-fires-medium-range-akash-missile-579358|title=India Successfully Test Fires Medium-Range Akash Missile|date=19 June 2014|website=NDTV.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812154859/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-successfully-test-fires-medium-range-akash-missile-579358|archive-date=12 August 2016}}</ref> Both the Barak-8 and the Akash missile defence systems can engage multiple targets simultaneously during saturation attacks.<ref name="IAI PDF – Barak 8">[http://www.iai.co.il/sip_storage/FILES/2/35042.pdf IAI PDF – Barak 8] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706174836/http://www.iai.co.il/sip_storage/FILES/2/35042.pdf |date=6 July 2015 }}, iai.co.il</ref>

On 17 November 2010, in an interview Rafael's vice-president Mr. Lova Drori confirmed that the [[David's Sling]] system has been offered to the Indian Armed Forces.<ref name=IDefence>{{cite web |url=http://www.india-defence.com/reports-4813 |title=Rafael Confirms Offer of Iron Dome, David's Sling to Indian Armed Forces |publisher=India-defence.com |access-date=19 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514002646/http://www.india-defence.com/reports-4813 |archive-date=14 May 2013 }}</ref> This system is further designed to distinguish between decoys and the actual warhead of a missile.<ref>[http://www.nti.org/media/pdfs/israel_missile.pdf?_=1316466791 Israel Missile Chronology] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203025956/http://www.nti.org/media/pdfs/israel_missile.pdf?_=1316466791 |date=3 February 2013 }} Nuclear Threat Initiative, 2010</ref>

=== S-400 Triumf ===
In October 2018, [[India]] inked an agreement with [[Russia]] for {{USD|5.43&nbsp;billion|link=yes}} to purchase five [[S-400 Triumf]] surface-to-air missile defence systems.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-russia-s-400-missile-deal-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/66066460.cms?from=mdr|title=India Russia S-400 missile deal: All you need to know – Times of India ►|work=The Times of India|access-date=9 October 2018}}</ref>

== Defence intelligence ==
The [[Defence Intelligence Agency (India)|Defence Intelligence Agency]] (DIA) is an [[Intelligence agency|organisation]] responsible for providing and co-ordinating [[Intelligence (information gathering)|intelligence]] for the Indian armed forces.<ref name="MOD">{{cite web|title=Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India|url=http://mod.nic.in/aboutus/body.htm|publisher=National Informatics Centre|access-date=14 July 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713064303/http://mod.nic.in/aboutus/body.htm|archive-date=13 July 2009}}</ref> It was created in March 2002 and is administered within the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Union Ministry of Defence]].{{cn|date=February 2023}} It is headed by a Director General who is also the principal adviser to the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff.

Traditionally, the bulk of intelligence work in India has been carried out by the [[Research and Analysis Wing]] (R&AW) and the [[Intelligence Bureau (India)|Intelligence Bureau]] (IB). The various services intelligence directorates namely the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), the Directorate of Air Intelligence (DAI), Directorate of Naval Intelligence (DNI) and some other agencies are also involved but their activity is smaller by comparison. The R&AW and IB agencies are composed largely of civilians. Military personnel are often deputed to these agencies, but the letter of the law and concerns of deniability limit the use of serving military officers in some types of activity (especially collection and action). The creation of an intelligence agency co-ordinating the intelligence arms of the three military services had long been called for by senior Indian military officers.{{cn|date=February 2023}} It was formally recommended by the [[Council of Ministers of the Republic of India|Cabinet Group of Ministers]], headed by the then [[Deputy Prime Minister of India]] [[Lal Krishna Advani]]. The Group of Ministers investigated intelligence lapses that occurred during the [[Kargil War]] and recommended a comprehensive reform of [[List of Indian Intelligence agencies|Indian intelligence agencies]].<ref name="A">{{cite web|title=Defense Intelligence Agency to Start in February 2002|url=https://fas.org/irp/world/india/mod/dia.htm|publisher=[[Federation of American Scientists]]|date=30 January 2002|access-date=14 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326002603/https://fas.org/irp/world/india/mod/dia.htm|archive-date=26 March 2009}}</ref> The Defence Intelligence Agency was created and became operational in March 2002.<ref name="A" /> As part of expanding bilateral co-operation on gathering intelligence and fighting terrorism, the [[United States military]] also provided advice to Indian military officers on the creation of the DIA.<ref name="A" />

DIA has control of MoD's prized technical intelligence assets&nbsp;– the Directorate of Signals Intelligence and the Defence Image Processing and Analysis Centre (DIPAC). While the Signals Directorate is responsible for acquiring and decrypting enemy communications, the DIPAC controls India's satellite-based image acquisition capabilities. The DIA also controls the Defence Information Warfare Agency (DIWA) which handles all elements of the information warfare repertoire, including psychological operations, cyber-war, electronic intercepts and the monitoring of sound waves.

== Research and development ==
{{Main|Defence Research and Development Organisation}}

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is an agency of the Republic of India, responsible for the development of technology for use by the military, headquartered in New Delhi, India. It was formed in 1958 by the merger of the Technical Development Establishment and the Directorate of Technical Development and Production with the Defence Science Organisation. DRDO has a network of 52 laboratories which are engaged in developing defence technologies covering various fields, like aeronautics, armaments, electronic and computer sciences, human resource development, life sciences, materials, missiles, combat vehicles development and naval research and development. The organisation includes more than 5,000 scientists and about 25,000 other scientific, technical and supporting personnel. Annual operating budget of the DRDO is pegged at $1.6&nbsp;billion (2011–12).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories960.htm|title=..:: India Strategic ::.. Indian Defence News: India's Defence Budget 2011-12|website=indiastrategic.in|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707091416/http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories960.htm|archive-date=7 July 2015|url-status=dead|access-date=17 September 2013}}</ref>{{update inline|date=June 2017}}

=== Electronic-warfare, Cyber-warfare, military hardware ===
The DRDO's avionics programme has been a success story with its mission computers, [[radar warning receivers]], high accuracy direction finding pods, [[synthetic aperture radar]], [[Active Phased Array Radar]], airborne jammers and flight instrumentation in use across a wide variety of Indian Air Force aircraft and satellites. DRDO labs have developed many [[electronic warfare]] systems for IAF and the Indian Army and high-performance [[Sonar]] systems for the navy.

DRDO also developed other critical military hardware, such as the [[Arjun MBT|Arjun]] Main Battle Tank, and is engaged in the development of the future [[Infantry Combat Vehicle]], the "Abhay". The DRDO is also a member of the trials teams for the T-72 upgrade and its fire control systems. [[INSAS]], India's de facto standard small arms family including [[assault rifle]], [[light machine guns]] and [[carbine]], is developed at the [[Armament Research and Development Establishment]], a DRDO laboratory. ARDE also worked on the development of [[Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher]], which has a maximum range of {{convert|39|km|mi}} – {{convert|40|km|mi}} and can fire a salvo of 12 high-explosive rockets in 44 seconds, neutralising a target area of 3.9 square km. This project was one of the first major Indian defence projects involving the Private sector.

India has created the [[Defence Cyber Agency]], which has the responsibility of conducting [[Cyberwarfare]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-defence-cyber-agency-may-rear-admiral-mohit-1513381-2019-04-30|title=India to have Defence Cyber Agency in May; Rear Admiral Mohit to be its first chief|date=30 April 2019|website=India Today|access-date=2 August 2019}}</ref>

=== Missile development programme ===
[[File:Nag with NAMICA Defexpo-2008.JPG|thumb|DRDO-built 3rd-generation [[ATGM]] [[Nag missile]].|213x213px]]
DRDO executed the [[Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme]] (IGMDP) to establish the ability to develop and design a missile locally, and manufacture a range of missile systems for the three defence services. The programme has seen significant success in its two most important constituents&nbsp;– the [[Agni (missile)|Agni missiles]] and the [[Prithvi (missile)|Prithvi missiles]], while two other programmes, the [[Akash SAM]] and the anti-tank [[Nag Missile]] have seen significant orders. Another significant project of DRDO has been the [[Astra (missile)|Astra]] [[Beyond-visual-range missile|beyond-visual-range]] air-to-air missile (BVR), for equipping IAF's [[Air superiority fighter|air-superiority fighters]]. The crown jewel of DRDO has been the [[BrahMos]] programme (as a joint venture with Russian NPO), which aims at creating a range of [[Cruise missile|supersonic cruise missiles]] derived from the [[Yakhont]] system. The DRDO has been responsible for the navigational systems on the BrahMos, aspects of its propulsion, airframe and seeker, fire control systems, mobile command posts and the Transporter Erector Launcher.

The US Department of Defence ([[Department of Defense (USA)|Pentagon]]) has written to India's Ministry of Defence (MoD), proposing the two countries collaborate in jointly developing a next-generation version of the [[Javelin anti-tank missile]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Shukla|first=Ajai|title=US offers to co-develop new Javelin missile with India|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/us-offers-to-co-develop-new-javelin-missile-with-india-113091600624_1.html|newspaper=Business Standard India|access-date=3 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005062839/http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/us-offers-to-co-develop-new-javelin-missile-with-india-113091600624_1.html|archive-date=5 October 2013|date=17 September 2013}}</ref>

=== Unmanned aerial vehicles ===
[[File:Rustom_flight_2_(cropped).jpg|thumb|[[TAPAS-BH-201]] MALE UAV.|213x213px]]
The DRDO has also developed many [[unmanned aerial vehicles]]- such as the [[DRDO Nishant|Nishant]] tactical UAV and the [[Lakshya PTA|Lakshya]] Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA). The Lakshya PTA has been ordered by all three services for their gunnery target training requirements. Efforts are ongoing to develop the PTA further, with an improved all-digital flight control system, and a better turbojet engine. The DRDO is also going ahead with its plans to develop a new class of UAV, referred to by the HALE (High Altitude Long Endurance) and MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) designations. The MALE UAV has been tentatively named the [[DRDO Rustom|Rustom]], and will feature canards and carry a range of payloads, including optronic, radar, laser designators and ESM. The UAV will have conventional landing and take off capability. The HALE UAV will have features such as SATCOM links, allowing it to be commanded beyond line of sight. Other tentative plans speak of converting the LCA into an [[unmanned combat aerial vehicle]] (UCAV),<ref>{{cite web|title=India to develop unmanned combat aerial vehicle|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-to-develop-unmanned-combat-aerial-vehicle/105939-3.html|access-date=2 October 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010044302/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-to-develop-unmanned-combat-aerial-vehicle/105939-3.html|archive-date=10 October 2013}}</ref> and weaponising UAVs such as [[DRDO AURA|AURA]].<ref>{{cite web|title=India developing unmanned combat aerial vehicle|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/india-developing-unmanned-combat-aerial-vehicle/1/100966.html|access-date=2 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004233214/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/india-developing-unmanned-combat-aerial-vehicle/1/100966.html|archive-date=4 October 2013}}</ref>

=== Anti-satellite weapon ===
{{Main|Anti-satellite weapon}}
In 2010, the defence ministry drafted a 15-year "Technology Perspective and Roadmap", which held development of [[Anti-satellite weapon|ASAT weapons]] "for electronic or physical destruction of satellites in both LEO (2,000-km altitude above earth's surface) and the higher geosynchronous orbit" as a thrust area in its long-term integrated perspective plan under the management of DRDO.<ref>{{cite news |author=Rajat Pandit |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/India-to-gear-up-for-star-wars/articleshow/5970384.cms |title=India to gear up for 'star wars' – India|work=The Times of India |date=25 May 2010 |access-date=31 August 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527113520/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/India-to-gear-up-for-star-wars/articleshow/5970384.cms |archive-date=27 May 2010 }}</ref> On 10 February 2010, [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] Director-General, and Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister, Dr VK Saraswat stated that India had "all the building blocks necessary" to integrate an anti-satellite weapon to neutralise hostile satellites in [[Low Earth Orbit|low earth]] and [[polar orbit]]s. India is known to have been developing an exo-atmospheric kill vehicle that can be integrated with the missile to engage satellites.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defencenow.com/news/343/india-contemplates-anti-satellite-vehicle-integration-with-agni-iii-ballistic-missile.html |title=India Contemplates Anti-Satellite Vehicle Integration with Agni-III Ballistic Missile |access-date=11 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401012035/http://www.defencenow.com/news/343/india-contemplates-anti-satellite-vehicle-integration-with-agni-iii-ballistic-missile.html |archive-date= 1 April 2015 }} date= 12 February 2015</ref>

On 27 March 2019, India conducted the [[2019 Indian anti-satellite missile test|first test]] of an ASAT weapon.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/27/world/asia/india-weather-satellite-missle.html|title=India Shot Down a Satellite, Modi Says, Shifting Balance of Power in Asia|last1=Gettleman|first1=Jeffrey|date=27 March 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=2 August 2019|last2=Kumar|first2=Hari|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

=== Future programmes ===

==== Directed-energy weapons ====
It is also known that DRDO is working on a slew of [[directed energy weapons]] (DEWs) and has identified DEWs, along with space security, cyber-security, and hypersonic vehicles/missiles as focus areas in the next 15 years.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DRDOs-next-Star-Wars-like-weapons/articleshow/6248942.cms?|title=DRDO's next: Star Wars-like weapons|website=The Times of India|date=3 August 2010 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020161307/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/DRDOs-next-Star-Wars-like-weapons/articleshow/6248942.cms|archive-date=20 October 2015}}</ref>

==== Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle ====
{{Main|Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle}}
The Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) is an unmanned [[scramjet]] demonstration aircraft for [[hypersonic]] flight ([[Mach number|Mach]] 6.5). The HSTDV program is run by the DRDO.<ref name=THEHINDU>{{cite news|last=T. S. Subramanian|title=DRDO developing hypersonic missile|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/09/stories/2008050955301300.htm|access-date=11 March 2012|date=9 May 2008|location=Chennai, India|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309185602/http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/09/stories/2008050955301300.htm|work=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=9 March 2012}}</ref>

== Peace keeping, anti-piracy, and exploration missions ==

=== United Nations peacekeeping ===
{{multiple image
| direction = vertical
| width1 = 270
| image1 = Les Soldats de la Paix du bataillon indien lors d'une patrouille de domination de terrain à travers la forêt de Pitakongo (15143910694).jpg
| caption1 = Indian soldiers patrol under [[MONUSCO|UN mission in Congo, Africa]], 2014.
| width2 = 270
| image2 = The Blue Berets, We Care (15847021980).jpg
| caption2 = Indian Army doctors attend to a child in [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo]].
}}
{{Main|Indian Army United Nations peacekeeping missions}}

India has been the largest troop contributor to [[UN peacekeeping missions|UN missions]] since their inception.<ref name="Tuteja">{{cite web|last=Tuteja|first=Ashok|title=India largest contributor to UN peace missions|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130603/main4.htm|access-date=2 October 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005010438/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130603/main4.htm|archive-date=5 October 2013}}</ref> So far India has taken part in 43 peacekeeping missions with a total contribution exceeding 160,000 troops and a significant number of police personnel having been deployed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.un.int/india/india%20&%20un/contribution.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005023028/http://www.un.int/india/india%20%26%20un/contribution.pdf|url-status=dead|title=INDIA's CONTRIBUTION TO UN PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS|archive-date=5 October 2013|access-date=9 December 2019}}</ref> {{update inline|date=June 2017}} India has so far, provided one Military Advisor (Lt Gen R K Mehta), one Police Adviser (Ms Kiran Bedi), one Deputy Military Adviser (Lt Gen Abhijit Guha), 14 Force Commanders and numerous Police Commissioners in various UN Missions.{{update inline|date=June 2017}} The Indian Army has also contributed lady officers as Military Observers and Staff Officers apart from them forming part of Medical Units being deployed in UN Missions. The first all women contingent in a peacekeeping mission, was a Formed Police Unit from India, deployed in 2007 to the UN Operation in Liberia(UNMIL).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/contributors/2007/march07_2.pdf|title=Ranking of Military and Police Contributions to UN Operations|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303231151/http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/contributors/2007/march07_2.pdf|archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> India has suffered 127 soldier deaths while serving on peacekeeping missions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/fatalities/StatsByYear%201.pdf |title=United Nations Peacekeeping Fatalities by year up to 28 Feb 2009 |website=www.un.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090326080655/http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/fatalities/StatsByYear%201.pdf |archive-date=26 March 2009}}</ref>{{update inline|date=June 2017}} India has also provided army contingents performing a peacekeeping operation in Sri Lanka between 1987 and 1990 as the [[Indian Peace Keeping Force]]. In November 1988, India also helped to restore the government of [[Maumoon Abdul Gayoom]] in the [[Maldives]] under [[Operation Cactus]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defence.pk/forums/india-defence/71886-indian-navy-destroyer-anti-piracy-action-sept-5-a.html|title=Indian Navy Destroyer in Anti-Piracy Action On Sept 5|website=Pakistan Defence|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222020706/http://www.defence.pk/forums/india-defence/71886-indian-navy-destroyer-anti-piracy-action-sept-5-a.html|archive-date=22 February 2011|access-date=21 September 2010}}</ref> As of June 2013, about 8000 Indian UN peacekeepers, both men and women, are deployed in nine missions, including the Congo, South Sudan, Liberia, UNDOF, Haiti, Lebanon, Abeyi, Cyprus and Cote de Ivoire.<ref name="Tuteja" />{{update inline|date=June 2017}}

=== Anti-piracy mission ===
India sought to augment its naval force in the Gulf of Aden by deploying the larger [[INS Mysore (D60)|INS ''Mysore'']] to patrol the area. Somalia also added India to its list of states, including the US and France, who are permitted to enter its territorial waters, extending up to {{convert|12|nmi|km mi|lk=in}} from the coastline, in an effort to check piracy.<ref name=ins-hp>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-gets-the-right-of-hot-pursuit-in-somali-waters/78607-3.html?from=rssfeed |title=India gets the right of hot pursuit in Somali waters |publisher=Ibnlive.in.com |access-date=27 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216075642/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-gets-the-right-of-hot-pursuit-in-somali-waters/78607-3.html?from=rssfeed |archive-date=16 December 2008 }}</ref> An Indian naval official confirmed receipt of a letter acceding to India's prerogative to check such piracy. "We had put up a request before the Somali government to play a greater role in suppressing piracy in the Gulf of Aden in view of the United Nations resolution. The TFG government gave its nod recently."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Somalia_seeks_Indias_help_to_quell_piracy/articleshow/3741936.cms |title=Somalia seeks India's help to quell piracy- Politics/Nation-News|work=The Economic Times |date=21 November 2008 |access-date=27 March 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20081216081819/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Somalia_seeks_Indias_help_to_quell_piracy/articleshow/3741936.cms |archive-date=16 December 2008 }}</ref> In November 2008, an Indian navy warship destroyed a suspected Somali pirate vessel after it came under attack in the Gulf of Aden.  In a report on Somalia submitted to the Security Council, UN Secretary General [[Ban Ki-Moon]] said "I welcome the decision of the governments of India and the Russian Federation to cooperate with the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia to fight piracy and armed robbery against ships." India also expressed the desire to deploy up to four more [[warships]] in the region.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnDEL414570.html |title=Reuters.com |work=Reuters |date=9 February 2009 |access-date=27 March 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216075508/http://africa.reuters.com/wire/news/usnDEL414570.html |archive-date=16 December 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-01-27/story/navy_helo_squadron_helps_fight_pirates |title=Navy helicopter squadron helps fight pirates |access-date=28 January 2009 |last=Gibbons |first=Timothy J. |date=28 January 2009 |publisher=[[The Florida Times-Union]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131075633/http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-01-27/story/navy_helo_squadron_helps_fight_pirates |archive-date=31 January 2009 }}</ref> On 2010-09-06, a team of [[MARCOS|Indian marine commandos]] (MARCOS) boarded MV Jag Arnav and overpowered attacking pirates&nbsp;– seven heavily armed Somalis and one Yemeni national. In the seven-year time frame India deployed 52 warships to combat piracy, which resulted in the area up to 65 degrees east being cleared of pirates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/of-pirates-navy-and-a-high-risk-area-in-the-arabian-sea-1231324|title=After 7 Years and Deployment of 52 Warships, This Area is Now Pirate-Free|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811090205/http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/of-pirates-navy-and-a-high-risk-area-in-the-arabian-sea-1231324|archive-date=11 August 2016}}</ref>

=== Relief operations ===
[[File:Indian Air Force Cheetah helicopters rescue op 2015 Chennai Flood.jpg|thumb|An Indian Air Force helicopter rescues stranded people during [[2015 South Indian floods#Chennai|2015 Chennai Floods]].]]
The Indian Air Force provides regular relief operation for food and medical facilities around the world using its [[cargo aircraft]] most notably the [[Ilyushin Il-76]]. The most recent relief operation of the IAF was in [[Kyrgyzstan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sify.com/news/indian-aid-flown-to-kyrgyzstan-news-national-khgruccjede.html |title=Indian aid flown to Kyrgyzstan |website=[[Sify]] |date=6 July 2010 |access-date=1 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709181429/http://sify.com/news/indian-aid-flown-to-kyrgyzstan-news-national-khgruccjede.html |archive-date=9 July 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-sends-aid-to-Kyrgyzstan/Article1-565986.aspx |title=India sends aid to Kyrgyzstan |work=Hindustan Times |date=1 July 2010 |access-date=1 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711024631/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-sends-aid-to-Kyrgyzstan/Article1-565986.aspx |archive-date=11 July 2010 }}</ref>{{update inline|date=June 2017}}
During the [[2010 Ladakh floods]], two Ilyushin Il-76 and four Antonov-32 aircraft of the IAF carried 30 tonnes of load, which include 125 rescue and relief personnel, medicines, generators, tents, portable X-ray machines and emergency rescue kits. A MI-17 helicopter and Cheetah helicopter were used to increase the effectiveness of the rescue operations.<ref>{{cite web|title=80 foreigners rescued from Leh: IAF|url=http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2010/aug/10/80-foreigners-rescued-from-leh-iaf-41.asp|access-date=17 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140127184637/http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2010/Aug/10/80-foreigners-rescued-from-leh-iaf-41.asp|archive-date=27 January 2014}}</ref>
During the 2013 [[2013 North India floods|Uttrakhand Floods]], the Indian armed forces took part in rescue operations. By 21 June 2013, the Army had deployed 10,000 soldiers and 11 helicopters, the navy had sent 45 naval divers, and the Air force had deployed 43 aircraft including 36 helicopters. From 17 to 30 June 2013, the IAF airlifted a total of 18,424 people&nbsp;– flying a total of 2,137 sorties and dropping/landing a total of 3,36,930&nbsp;kg of relief material and equipment. The IAF participated in the rescue operation codenamed [[Operation Raahat]] and evacuated more than 4640 Indian citizens (along with 960 foreign nationals from 41 countries) from [[Yemen]] during the [[2015 military intervention in Yemen|2015 military intervention]] by [[Saudi Arabia]] and its allies in that country during the [[Yemeni Crisis (2011–present)|Yemeni Crisis]].<ref name="Kumar 2015">{{cite web | last=Kumar | first=Hari | title=India Concludes Evacuation of Its Citizens From Yemen | website=The New York Times | date=10 April 2015 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/11/world/asia/india-concludes-evacuation-of-its-citizens-from-yemen.html?nytmobile=0 | access-date=11 April 2015 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150420010009/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/11/world/asia/india-concludes-evacuation-of-its-citizens-from-yemen.html?nytmobile=0 | archive-date=20 April 2015 | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name=onein2015>{{cite web | title=India evacuates 4,640 nationals, 960 others from Yemen | website=oneindia.com | date=10 April 2015 | url=http://www.oneindia.com/india/india-evacuates-4640-nationals-960-others-from-yemen-1711703.html | access-date=11 April 2015 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429092021/http://www.oneindia.com/india/india-evacuates-4640-nationals-960-others-from-yemen-1711703.html | archive-date=29 April 2015 | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="The Times2015">{{cite web | title=India appreciates Pakistan's gesture of evacuating its nationals from Yemen | website=The Times of India | date=8 April 2015 | url=http://m.timesofindia.com/india/India-appreciates-Pakistans-gesture-of-evacuating-its-nationals-from-Yemen/articleshow/46852396.cms | access-date=8 April 2015 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412192753/http://m.timesofindia.com/india/India-appreciates-Pakistans-gesture-of-evacuating-its-nationals-from-Yemen/articleshow/46852396.cms | archive-date=12 April 2015 | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="Zee Newsx2015">{{cite web | title=Yemen crisis: Number of Indian evacuees reach 4000 mark | website=Zee News | date=7 April 2015 | url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/yemen-crisis-number-of-indian-evacuees-reach-4000-mark_1574979.html | access-date=7 April 2015 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413005552/http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/yemen-crisis-number-of-indian-evacuees-reach-4000-mark_1574979.html | archive-date=13 April 2015 | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="http://www.hindustantimes.com/ 2015">{{cite web | title=4,000 Indians rescued so far, Yemen air evacuation op to end on Wed | website=Hindustan Times | date=7 April 2015 | url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/4-000-indians-rescued-so-far-yemen-air-evacuation-op-to-end-on-wed/article1-1334906.aspx | access-date=7 April 2015 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407190743/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/4-000-indians-rescued-so-far-yemen-air-evacuation-op-to-end-on-wed/article1-1334906.aspx | archive-date=7 April 2015 | df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="The Times of India15">{{cite web | title=India evacuates 232 foreigners including Americans, Europeans from Yemen | website=The Times of India | date=7 April 2015 | url=http://m.timesofindia.com/india/India-evacuates-232-foreigners-including-Americans-Europeans-from-Yemen/articleshow/46839994.cms | access-date=7 April 2015 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407231603/http://m.timesofindia.com/india/India-evacuates-232-foreigners-including-Americans-Europeans-from-Yemen/articleshow/46839994.cms | archive-date=7 April 2015 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>

=== IAF efforts in eclipse study ===
The Indian Air Force successfully undertook sorties to help Indian scientists study the total solar eclipse that took place on 23 July 2010. Two separate missions from Agra and Gwalior were flown along the path of the moon's shadow, a mission that was deemed hugely successful by scientists associated with the experiment. While one [[Antonov An-32|AN-32]] transport aircraft carrying scientific equipment, cameras and scientists took off from Agra and landed back after a three-hour flight, a [[Dassault Mirage 2000|Mirage-2000]] trainer from Gwalior took images of the celestial spectacle from {{convert|40000|ft|m}}. With weather being clear at such altitudes and coordinates planned by the IAF pilots, both the AN-32 and Mirage-2000 pilots were able to accomplish the mission successfully.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=56489 |title=PIB Press Release |publisher=Pib.nic.in |access-date=1 August 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211161535/http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=56489 |archive-date=11 February 2010 }}</ref>

=== Indian Navy exploration ===
[[File:Indian Navy at the North Pole.jpg|thumb|The Indian Navy expedition to [[North Pole]], 2008.]]
The Indian Navy regularly conducts adventure expeditions. The sailing ship and training vessel INS Tarangini began circumnavigating the world on 23 January 2003, intending to foster good relations with other nations; she returned to India in May of the following year after visiting 36 ports in 18 nations. Lt. Cdr. M.S. Kohli led the Indian Navy's first successful expedition to Mount Everest in 1965. Another Navy team also successfully scaled Everest from the north face, the more technically challenging route.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Navy on top of the world|url=http://www.chennaionline.com/columns/variety/05navy.asp|archive-url=https://archive.today/20080611154057/http://www.chennaionline.com/columns/variety/05navy.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 June 2008|access-date=2 October 2013}}</ref> An Indian Navy team comprising 11 members successfully completed an expedition to the [[North Pole]] in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chilling Out!|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2006/08/19/stories/2006081902510100.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101029075128/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mp/2006/08/19/stories/2006081902510100.htm|archive-date=29 October 2010|url-status=usurped|access-date=2 October 2013}}</ref> The Indian Naval ensign first flew in Antarctica in 1981. The Indian Navy succeeded in Mission Dakshin Dhruv by traversing to the [[South Pole]] on skis in 2006. With this historic expedition, they set the record for being the world's first military team to have successfully completed a ski traverse to the geographic south pole.<ref>{{cite web|title=Navy team becomes first military unit to ski to South Pole|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200701312174.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611211229/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200701312174.htm|archive-date=11 June 2008|access-date=2 October 2013}}</ref>

== Misconceptions in nomenclature ==
There are number of uniformed forces in India apart from the Indian Armed Forces. All such forces are established under the acts of Parliament. They are: the [[Central Reserve Police Force]], the [[Border Security Force]], the [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]], the [[Central Industrial Security Force]], the [[Sashastra Seema Bal]], the [[Assam Rifles]], the [[National Security Guard]] under the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)]], the [[Special Protection Group]] under the [[Cabinet Secretariat of India]], the [[Railway Protection Force]] under [[Ministry of Railways (India)]], and the [[Indian Coast Guard]] (ICG) under the [[Ministry of Defence (India)]]. These forces are referred to as "Armed Force of the Union" in their respective acts, which means a force with armed capability and not necessarily "Armed Forces", the term as per international standards and conventionally referred to as "Army", "Navy" and "Air Force". The Supreme Court in its judgements reported in ''AIR 1996 SC 1705'' held that the military service is only confined to three principal wings of the armed forces i.e. Army, Navy and Air Force. Further the Honourable Supreme Court of India in a case reported in ''AIR 2000 SC 3948'' clarified that unless it is a service in the three principal wing of the Armed Forces, a force included in the expression "Armed forces of the Union" does not constitute part of the military service/military.<ref>{{cite web|title=CIC order|url=http://www.rti.india.gov.in/cic_decisions/CIC_LS_A_2010_001190_M_42637.pdf|website=Right to Information|publisher=CIC, GoI|access-date=17 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925104102/http://www.rti.india.gov.in/cic_decisions/CIC_LS_A_2010_001190_M_42637.pdf|archive-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> To differentiate from Armed Forces, Some of other forces were commonly referred to as Central Paramilitary Forces which caused confusion and give the impression of them being part of the military forces.

To remove such confusion, in 2011 the Ministry of Home Affairs adopted the uniform nomenclature of [[Central Armed Police Forces]] for only five of its Primary Police organisations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Office Memorandum|url=http://www.mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/OM2-020513.pdf|website=MHA|publisher=MHA, GoI|access-date=26 August 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117183848/http://www.mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/OM2-020513.pdf|archive-date=17 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=For the paramilitary, all's in a new name|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|website=The Telegraph|publisher=The Telegraph Calcutta|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924150111/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110326/jsp/nation/story_13768094.jsp|archive-date=24 September 2015}}</ref> These were formerly called as Paramilitary Forces. [[Central Armed Police Forces]] are still incorrectly referred to as "Paramilitary Forces" in the media and in some correspondences. These forces are headed by officers from the [[Indian Police Service]] and are under the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]].

Other uniform services are referred to by their names only such as: the Railway Protection Force, the NSG, the SPG, the ICG, the Assam Rifles etc., but not under any collective nomenclature. However, conventionally some forces are referred to as the [[Paramilitary Forces of India]], for example the [[Assam Rifles]], the [[Special Frontier Force|SFF]] and the ICG.

The Indian Coast Guard is often confused incorrectly as being a part of the military forces due to the organisation being under the Ministry of Defence. The Supreme Court in its judgement has held that unless it is a service in the three principal wings of the Armed Forces, a force included in the expression "Armed forces of the Union" does not constitute part of military service/military. The Indian Coast Guard works closely with civilian agencies such as Customs, the Department of Fisheries, the Coastal Police etc. with its primary role being that of a non-military, maritime law enforcement agency.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mission |url=http://www.indiancoastguard.nic.in/Indiancoastguard/mission/mission.html |publisher=Indian Coast Guard |access-date=26 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150827060649/http://www.indiancoastguard.nic.in/Indiancoastguard/mission/mission.html |archive-date=27 August 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Detailed History of Indian Coast Guard [ In Detail ] |url=http://www.indiancoastguard.nic.in/Indiancoastguard/history/morehistory.html |website=Indian Coast Guard |publisher=ICG |access-date=17 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928121157/http://www.indiancoastguard.nic.in/Indiancoastguard/history/morehistory.html |archive-date=28 September 2015 }}</ref> It is independent of the command and control of the Indian Navy. ICG was initially planned to be kept under the Ministry of Home Affairs but has been kept under the Ministry of Defence for better synergy since it is patterned like the navy.<ref>{{cite web|title=ICG More History |url=http://www.indiancoastguard.nic.in/Indiancoastguard/history/morehistory.html |website=ICG |publisher=Indian Coast Guard |access-date=26 August 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928121157/http://www.indiancoastguard.nic.in/Indiancoastguard/history/morehistory.html |archive-date=28 September 2015 }}</ref> The ICG does not take part in any protocol of military forces such as the President's Body Guard, ADCs, the Tri-Services Guard of Honour etc. Their recruitment is also not under the Combined Defence Services Exam/National Defence Academy Exam which is one of the prime modes of commissioning officers to the Armed Forces. Indian Coast Guard Officers continue to get their training with Indian Navy Officers since the ICG does not have its own training academy. Already a new [[Indian Coast Guard Academy]] for training of their officers is under construction.{{update inline|date=June 2017}} Often ICG loses its credit for being incorrectly recognised as part of Indian military Forces and not as a unique independent force.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}}

== See also ==

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Military budget of India]]
* [[National Security Council (India)]]
* [[Ordnance Factories Board]]
* [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]]
* [[One Rank, One Pension]] Demand
* [[Law enforcement in India]]
* [[Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses]]
* [[Indian Armed forces rank flags]]
* [[Indian Army United Nations peacekeeping missions]]
* [[Indian National Army]]
* [[Subhas Chandra Bose]]
{{div col end}}

== References ==

=== Footnotes ===
{{note|IPS}} Does not include members of the [[Indian Police Service]].

=== Citations ===
{{reflist}}

== Bibliography ==
{{Library resources box}}
{{Refbegin}}  
* {{cite book |ref={{harvid|IISS|2021}} | title=The Military Balance 2021| author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| date=25 February 2021| publisher=[[Routledge]]| location=[[London]]| isbn=9781032012278}} 
* {{cite book |ref={{harvid|IISS|2020}} | title=The Military Balance 2020| author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| date=14 February 2020| publisher=[[Routledge]]| location=[[London]]| isbn=9780367466398}}  
* {{cite book |ref={{harvid|IISS|2019}} | title=The Military Balance 2019| author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| date=15 February 2019| publisher=[[Routledge]]| location=[[London]]| isbn=9781857439885}}
* {{cite book |ref={{harvid|IISS|2018}} | title=The Military Balance 2018| author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| date=14 February 2018| publisher=[[Routledge]]| location=[[London]]| isbn=9781857439557}}
* {{cite book |ref={{harvid|IISS|2014}} |author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2014 |date=24 December 2021 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-000-67421-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LDNVEAAAQBAJ |language=en}}
* {{cite book |ref={{harvid|IISS|2012}} |author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2012 |date=2012 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-85743-642-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RtlPYAAACAAJ |language=en}}
* {{cite book |ref={{harvid|IISS|2010}} |author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2010 |date=2010 |publisher=Taylor & Francis Group |isbn=978-1-85743-557-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JwqCAQAACAAJ |language=en}}
* {{Cite book|last=Kundu|first=A|title=Militarism in India|publisher=[[Bloomsbury Publishing]]|others=[[University of Michigan]]|year=1998|isbn=9-781-860-64318-7}}
* {{Cite book|last=Subramaniam|first=Arjun|title=India's Wars: A Military History, 1947–1971|publisher=[[HarperCollins]]|year=2017|isbn=978-1-68247-241-5}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
* [http://indianarmy.nic.in/ Indian Army] – Official website
* [http://indianairforce.nic.in/ Indian Air Force] – Official website
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20121016110244/http://www.nausena-bharti.nic.in/ Indian Navy] – Official website (archived 16 October 2012)

{{Military of India}}
{{Military of Asia}}

[[Category:Military of India| ]]
[[Category:Ministry of Defence (India)]]