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Recently, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan released thedeclassified versions of India’s Joint Doctrines for Cyberspace Operations and Amphibious Operations. This step reflects India’s effort to enhance jointness, interoperability, and transparency in military operations while strengthening preparedness for multi-domain warfare.

Cyberspace Operations Doctrine

What is Cyberspace?

• A global domain comprising information systems, communication networks, satellites, and data infrastructures.
• It is borderless, dual-use (civilian and military), and subject to rapidly evolving threats.

Components of Cyberspace Operations

1. Defensive Cyber Operations – Protects national and military networks against malware, hacking, and data breaches.
2. Offensive Cyber Operations – Targets adversary systems to disrupt communications, disable command networks, or damage infrastructure.
3. Cyber Intelligence & Reconnaissance – Collects and analyses data to detect vulnerabilities and anticipate attacks.
4. Cyber Support Operations – Provides digital tools and assistance to land, maritime, air, and space operations.
5. Resilience & Recovery – Ensures continuity through backup systems, redundancies, and rapid restoration measures.

Operational Principles

• Threat-informed Planning – Based on real-time intelligence.
• Interoperability – Seamless coordination across the three Services and with civil agencies.
• Layered Defence – Multi-tiered cyber security protocols.
• Legal & Ethical Compliance – Operates within Indian law and global cyber norms.
• Real-time Response – Swift counteraction to minimise damage.

Significance:

• Shields critical infrastructure (power grids, defence networks, communication systems).
• Acts as a force multiplier, enhancing conventional operations.
• Prepares India for hybrid warfare, where cyber, land, sea, and air threats are interlinked.

Amphibious Operations Doctrine

What are Amphibious Operations?

• Coordinated actions by naval, air, and land forces launched from the sea to secure objectives onshore.
• Applications range from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).

Key Features

• Tri-service Integration – Combines maritime, aerial, and ground assets.
• Rapid Response – Enables swift deployment from sea to shore.
• Strategic Reach – Expands influence over island territories and littoral regions.
• Flexible Missions – Suitable for both warfare and non-war operations (e.g., disaster relief).
• Maritime–Land Linkage – Strengthens the sea–land operational continuum.

Significance:

• Enhances maritime superiority in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Secures India’s island territories, trade routes, and coastal areas.
• Strengthens India’s blue-water navy aspirations and capacity for overseas contingencies.
• Provides options for HADR missions, vital in the Indo-Pacific where natural disasters are frequent.

Strategic Importance of Doctrines

The release of these doctrines marks a major step in joint military planning and multi-domain operations. They:

• Promote synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, reducing duplication of efforts.
• Build resilience against hybrid threats, including cyber-attacks and maritime conflicts.
• Signal India’s intent to safeguard its national security and global strategic interests.
• Provide policymakers and military planners with a common framework and lexicon.

Further, the CDS has initiated work on new doctrines covering Military Space Operations, Special Forces Operations, Airborne/Heliborne Operations, Integrated Logistics, and Multi-Domain Operations. These will ensure India remains prepared for the emerging spectrum of modern warfare.