Why in News?
India has notified the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Rules, 2025 under the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, 2023, to streamline joint command operations and discipline across Army, Navy, and Air Force, especially after the tri-service coordination seen in Operation Sindoor.
Key Features of Inter-Services Organisations (ISO)
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | ISOs are joint commands with personnel from two or more branches of the Armed Forces for integrated operations, logistics, and planning. |
| Examples | Andaman and Nicobar Command, Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Space Agency; future theatre commands. |
| Objective | To facilitate synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force through structural integration. |
Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, 2023
| Provision | Description |
|---|---|
| Problem Addressed | Previously, personnel were governed by different service laws, limiting inter-service disciplinary authority. |
| Empowerment | Grants Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command power over all personnel in an ISO, regardless of their parent service. |
| Control | Central Government retains overall oversight, including rules for eligibility and appointments. |
| Recognition | Legally formalizes existing joint services commands and allows new ones. |
Key Provisions of ISO Rules, 2025
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | Notified under Section 11 of the ISO Act, 2023. |
| Types of ISO | Joint Services Command (led by Lt. Gen/Air Marshal/Vice Admiral) and Inter-Services Establishment (led by Maj. Gen/Air Vice Marshal/Rear Admiral or above). |
| Personnel Composition | Includes members from any two or all three services. |
| Succession Protocol | Temporary commanders can be appointed by higher formations in emergencies or absence of formal designation. |
| Unspecified Matters | Issues not covered by existing laws will be referred to the Central Government. |
Significance of ISOs
| Domain | Importance |
|---|---|
| Operational Synergy | Enables real-time, joint operations – vital for responding to complex, multi-domain conflicts like a two-front war with China and Pakistan. |
| Historical Context | Kargil Review Committee (1999) stressed the need for tri-service coordination due to poor communication during the war. |
| Resource Optimization | Pooling logistics and infrastructure avoids duplication and promotes efficiency. |
| Combat Readiness | Facilitates joint training and operational interoperability, including for cyber and space warfare. |
| Global Benchmarking | Brings India in line with models like U.S. Unified Commands and Chinese Theatre Commands. |
Prelims Practice Questions
- Consider the following statements regarding the Inter-Services Organisations (ISO) Act, 2023:
- It amends the Army, Navy, and Air Force Acts to enable tri-service integration.
- It empowers Commanders-in-Chief in ISOs to exercise disciplinary control over personnel from other services.
- It mandates joint training for all ISO personnel.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 2 and 3 only
Answer: B
- Which of the following commands/functions is an example of an Inter-Services Organisation (ISO) in India?
A. Central Air Command
B. Andaman and Nicobar Command
C. Eastern Naval Command
D. Northern Army Command
Answer: B - Under the ISO Rules 2025, which of the following personnel can lead a Joint Services Command?
- Vice Admiral
- Major General
- Air Marshal
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C
Mains Practice Question
Q. The creation and operationalization of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) represent a strategic shift in India’s defence posture. Discuss how ISO integration addresses long-standing structural gaps in India’s military, and analyze its implications for future warfare readiness.
