Op Sindoor effect: India notifies rules for 2023 law to greater command efficiency in armed forces

The Union government on Tuesday notified the Rules under the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Act, 2023, aimed at enhancing jointness, coordination and command efficiency across the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces—Army, Navy, and Air Force.

This move comes shortly after India’s Operation Sindoor, during which the armed forces conducted precision strikes on terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

It is seen as another step by the government to strengthen coordination and improve command structures across the three services.

The Bill was passed by both Houses of Parliament in 2023 and received the President’s assent on 15 August 2023. It came into force on 10 May 2024, according to a Gazette Notification dated 8 May 2024.

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“The government has notified the Rules under the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Act, 2023. This marks the full operationalisation of the Act, empowering Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of ISOs with authority over personnel from all three services under their command. It ensures effective discipline, streamlined administration, and enhanced jointness—without altering individual service conditions,” the Ministry of Defence said in a post on X.

Government has notified the Rules under Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Act 2023. This marks the full operationalisation of the Act, empowering Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of ISOs with authority over personnel from all three services…

— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) May 28, 2025

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The newly notified Rules, framed under Section 11 of the Act, are intended to facilitate the smooth implementation of its provisions.

The Act grants Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of Inter-Service Organisations (ISOs) the authority to manage and discipline personnel under their command, while preserving the distinct service conditions of each branch of the Armed Forces.

The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control & Discipline) Act, 2023 is a law enacted by the Indian government to enhance coordination and efficiency among the Army, Navy, and Air Force by empowering unified military structures.

The Act seeks to improve jointness among the three services by providing a clear framework for command, control, and disciplinary powers to the heads of ISOs such as theatre commands, joint training institutions, and logistics units.

It empowers Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of ISOs with legal authority to exercise control over personnel from all three services placed under their command. They are also authorised to initiate disciplinary action in accordance with the service laws applicable to each force.

Importantly, while these powers are granted, the existing service conditions and regulations under the Army Act, Navy Act, and Air Force Act remain intact, ensuring the unique identities and rules of each branch are respected.