New Delhi, Aug 6: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Defence, during which members held detailed deliberations on modernising the Territorial Army and strengthening its role in India’s evolving national security framework.
The meeting focused on enhancing the Territorial Army’s operational preparedness, organisational capabilities, modernisation initiatives and future roadmap. Members of Parliament discussed measures to improve the force’s effectiveness in supporting the regular Armed Forces during national emergencies, internal security operations, border management and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
Senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and the Territorial Army briefed the committee on the force’s present operational responsibilities, organisational structure, training standards and ongoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, mobility and technological capabilities. The panel also reviewed initiatives designed to strengthen coordination between the Territorial Army and the regular Armed Forces during strategic operations and national emergencies.
Addressing the meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised that the Territorial Army remains an integral pillar of India’s defence architecture and has consistently played a vital role in supporting military operations, assisting civil authorities, safeguarding critical infrastructure and responding effectively to natural disasters and other emergencies.
Members of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee exchanged views on expanding the operational capabilities of the Territorial Army, upgrading training infrastructure, improving welfare measures for personnel and ensuring the force remains fully equipped to meet emerging security challenges in a rapidly changing strategic environment.
The committee also reviewed the growing role of the Territorial Army in maintaining essential services during crises, supporting national development initiatives and providing timely assistance during disaster response operations. Members stressed the need for continuous reforms, capacity building and technological advancement to enhance the force’s overall operational readiness.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s defence preparedness through sustained modernisation, institutional reforms and enhanced capabilities of the Territorial Army, recognising its crucial contribution to safeguarding national security and supporting the country’s Armed Forces in times of need. (KNC)
