India Pakistan war: Government allows Chief of Army Staff to call Territorial Army to assist regular army

New Delhi: The Chief of the Army Staff has received the approval from the central government to call Territorial Army (TA) to help the regular army with needful duties as Pakistan continues to target India with missiles and drones. India Pakistan tension escalated following Operation Sindoor launched by India in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 people lost their lives.

The Ministry of Defence said that this order will be in effect for three years from February 10, 2025, to February 9, 2028, under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Rules, 1948.

The central government announced this decision after India foiled several drone attacks by Pakistan in regions of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.

Blackout was observed in Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Punjab.

What is Territorial Army?

The Territorial Army is a key military reserve force that was established in 1949 under Territorial Army Act of 1948. It includes part-time volunteers who support the Indian Army.

Moreover, it serves as a supplementary force to the regular army. The Territorial Army has been rewarded with several gallantry and service awards for their efforts.

Now, after Central Government’s approval, a total of 14 out of 32 Territorial Army Infantry Battalions will be deployed across India in areas under different Army Commands, including Southern, Northern, Eastern, Western, Central, South Western, Andaman & Nicobar Command, and the Army Training Command (ARTRAC).

Currently, the TA has a strength of over 40,000 personnel organised into 32 infantry battalions and various engineer and departmental units.

News