Different Types of Defence & Armed Forces in India

The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, but the executive authority and responsibility for national security is vested in the Prime Minister of India and their chosen Cabinet Ministers. 

With a strength of over 1.4 million active personnel, it is the world's second-largest military force and has the world's largest volunteer army.

However, there are more to the types of forces in India and their reach and responsibilities. Keep reading to know about the nation's forces, types, and how they play the most decorated protective role.

The Ministry of Defence, with the assistance of the Ministry of Home Affairs, governs the majority of India's foreign security concerns. The majority of internal security concerns and their handling in border areas are likewise addressed by both the Defence Ministry and the Home Ministry.

In India, security forces that deal with various threats and types of armed forces in India are as follows:

• Indian Armed Forces
• Central Armed Police Forces or Paramilitary Forces of India

There are three types of armed forces in India: the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force. Discussed below are each of these in brief, along with their roles and responsibilities.

1. The Indian Army

Known as the Bhartiya Thal Sena, it is the armed forces' land-based force. It developed from the East India Company's military forces to become the British Indian Army and, later, the Indian Army after independence. It is regarded as the world's second-largest active army.

The Indian Army's purpose is to ensure national security and preserve India's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and harmony against external aggression and intimidation. It also entails offering humanitarian assistance and support to the general public during natural catastrophes and unforeseen moments.

2. The Indian Navy

The Indian Navy protects India's maritime boundaries and interests throughout its 7516.6-kilometre coastline. It also protects Indian commerce vessels on the high seas by preventing piracy. In addition, it aids the general public during calamities. The Indian Navy is organised into three commands:

• Western Naval Command; Headquarters: Mumbai
• The Eastern Naval Command; Headquarters: Vishakhapatnam.
• Southern Naval Command; Headquarters: Kochi.

3. The Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force was formally constituted on October 8, 1932. In appreciation of its contributions during World War II, it was renamed the Royal Indian Air Force. The name 'Royal' was dropped once the country gained independence.

The major role of the Indian Air Force is to safeguard Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a crisis. Apart from the wars of independent India and humanitarian operations, it has engaged in several United Nations peacekeeping missions. The Chief of Air Staff (An Air Marshal) is the commander of India's air forces.

Paramilitary forces started out as Central Armed Police Forces. In March 2011, the Ministry of Home Affairs established a standard appellation for the Central Armed Police Forces in order to avoid confusion.

Since 2011, the Indian government has utilised an unofficial definition of paramilitary forces as those that assist military forces and are headed by military commanders rather than IPS officers. The types of defence forces in India under paramilitary segmentation are:

1. Assam Rifles

The Assam Rifles, founded in 1835, are the oldest paramilitary unit and one of the six Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). It is responsible for counterinsurgency and border security activities in North East India. It has been in charge of defending the 1,643-kilometer Indo-Myanmar border since 2002.

2. Border Security Force (BSF)

The BSF, known as "India's First Line of Defence," is the country's border guard. It was founded on December 1, 1965, in reaction to the Indo-Pakistan conflict of 1965. It is headed by an officer from the Indian Police Service and works under the Ministry of Home Affairs to guarantee the security of India's borders.

3. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), established in 1969 under the Central Industrial Security Force Act, offers case-by-case integrated security protection to Public Sector Undertakings, airports, and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

4. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

It was founded in 1939 as the Crown Representative's Police and became the CRPF in 1949. Its primary mission is counter-insurgency operations. Through police operations, the CRPF aids states and union territories in preserving peace and order.

5. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

The ITBP was established on October 24, 1962, following the Sino-Indian War of 1962. It defends the Indo-Tibetan and India-China borders, particularly in hilly areas. It also keeps an eye on the northern borders to prevent illegal immigration and cross-border smuggling.

6. National Security Guard (NSG)

The NSG is a special forces organisation under the Ministry of Home Affairs that was established on September 22, 1986. It was designed to combat the country's spike in militancy and to aid in rare cases where local police and special forces demand assistance.

7. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

The Sashastra Seema Bal, established in March 1963, defends the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders. It is also used during elections to maintain polling station security, and it is installed in 15 states.

The Indian armed forces are vital to protecting India's sovereignty and security. There are several critical aspects of why these factors contribute to all forces in India.

• India shares borders with multiple nations, and it is the responsibility of its armed forces to defend these borders against any external threats or acts of aggression. They remain vigilant at all times to defend the nation's sovereignty.
• The armed forces aid the civil administration in upholding law and order, combating terrorism, and addressing other internal security issues. Their presence and expertise contribute to the country's harmony and stability.
• During natural disasters, the military is instrumental in providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief. Whether conducting rescue operations during floods, earthquakes, or cyclones or providing medical assistance and support to affected areas, the armed forces are at the vanguard to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens.
• The forces participate in international peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the United Nations, demonstrating India's dedication to global security and tranquilly.