The central government took a significant decision on May 9 in light of the escalating tensions along the India-Pakistan border. The government has authorized the Indian Army to activate the Territorial Army (TA).
During the conversation with renowned Defence Expert, Colonel (Retd.) Sanjeet Sirohi told News24 that the Army Chief can now call upon Territorial Army personnel and deploy them for various military duties. The order has been issued under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Act, 1948.
Following this directive, Territorial Army soldiers may be assigned duties such as guard duty or deployed in operational roles in coordination with the regular Army.
#TerritorialArmy Rule 1948 के नियम 33 के तहत केंद्र सरकार ने सेना प्रमुख को #TerritorialArmy के प्रत्येक अधिकारी और भर्ती किए गए व्यक्ति को आवश्यक सुरक्षा ड्यूटी या नियमित सेना की सहायता के लिए बुलाने के लिए अधिकृत किया है: रक्षा मंत्रालय @SpokespersonMoD | @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/kZNmUbzPh6
---Advertisement---— आकाशवाणी समाचार (@AIRNewsHindi) May 9, 2025
Also Read: Why India Chose To Abstain Instead Of ‘No Vote’ Against IMF Funding To Pakistan
Many Famous Celebrities Are Part of the Territorial Army
The Territorial Army includes several well-known public figures. These include former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, Union Minister Anurag Thakur, and Congress leader Sachin Pilot.
Dhoni joined the Territorial Army in 2011 and holds the title of Honorary Lieutenant. In 2019, he served a 15-day stint with the Victor Force in Kashmir. Similarly, Olympic 2008 gold medalist shooter Abhinav Bindra was inducted into the Territorial Army in 2011 and became a part of the Sikh Regiment.
It remains to be seen whether these honorary officers will be called into active duty under the current circumstances.
Tensions Escalate After Pahalgam Terror Attack
Tensions along India’s northern and western borders with Pakistan have intensified in recent days. The situation worsened following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, carried out by Pakistan-backed militants. The attack claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
In retaliation, on the night of May 6, the Indian Army launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting and destroying nine terrorist camps in Pakistan through aerial strikes.
What is the Territorial Army?
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Territorial Army comprises a total of 32 infantry battalions. Some of these battalions may now be deployed to strategic military zones across the country. They will operate under the six commands of the Indian Army – Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northern, and South-Western.
The Territorial Army is regarded as the ‘Second Line of Defense’ of the Indian Army. It is composed of civilian volunteers who receive military training and can be mobilized during national emergencies.
