Defence Ministry empowers Army Chief to mobilise Territorial Army

New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence has issued a notification empowering the Chief of the Army Staff to call out personnel of the Territorial Army for active duty. The order, published on 6 May 2025, authorises the embodiment of 14 out of the 32 existing Infantry Battalions of the Territorial Army.

According to the official statement, these battalions will be deployed across various commands of the Indian Army, including the Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northern, South Western, Andaman and Nicobar, and Army Training Command (ARTRAC). The move is intended to support and supplement the regular army in essential guard duties and operational tasks.

The notification further clarifies that the embodiment will be contingent upon the availability of funds, either from the existing defence budget or through internal re-appropriations. In instances where the deployment is requested by ministries other than the Ministry of Defence, the cost will be borne by the respective ministries and not included in the defence budget.

This authorisation remains valid for a period of three years, from 10 February 2025 to 9 February 2028