Why in News

• The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has declassified and released India’s Joint Doctrines for Cyberspace Operations and Amphibious Operations.

• Aim

  • Enhance interoperability

  • Strengthen national defence strategy

  • Guide integrated multi-domain warfare

About Cyberspace Operations

• What is Cyberspace?

• • A global domain comprising interconnected systems, networks, and infrastructures such as:

    • Internet

    • Intranets

    • Communication satellites

    • Control systems

  • Functions as a critical environment for:

    • Creating information

    • Transmitting information

    • Manipulating information

    • Storing information

• Features of Cyberspace

• • Borderless Domain – Beyond physical boundaries

  • Dual-use Nature – Serves civilian and military purposes

  • Real-time Impact – Actions have immediate global effects

  • Anonymity & Attribution Challenges – Difficult to trace actors

  • Constantly Evolving Threats – Adapts with technology changes

• Components of Cyberspace Operations

• • Defensive Cyber Operations – Shield networks from hacking, malware, and data breaches

  • Offensive Cyber Operations – Penetrate enemy systems to disrupt communications and damage critical infrastructure

  • Cyber Intelligence & Reconnaissance – Identify vulnerabilities, anticipate attacks, and inform planning

  • Cyber Support Operations – Provide technical tools for land, air, maritime, and space operations

  • Resilience & Recovery Systems – Backup and rapid restoration measures during crises

• Operational Principles

• • Threat-informed planning based on accurate intelligence

  • Interoperability between armed services and civil agencies

  • Layered defence using multiple security barriers

  • Legal and ethical compliance with domestic laws and international norms

  • Real-time response to minimise damage

About Amphibious Operations

• What are Amphibious Operations?

• • Coordinated military actions launched from the sea by naval, air, and land forces to achieve a mission ashore

  • Used in:

    • Combat

    • Humanitarian assistance

    • Disaster relief (HADR)

    • Force projection in contested zones

• Features of Amphibious Operations

• • Tri-service Integration – Combines maritime, aerial, and ground forces

  • Rapid Response – Quick mobilisation from sea to shore

  • Flexible Mission Profiles – From combat to HADR

  • Strategic Reach – Influence over islands and coastal areas

  • Maritime–Land Linkage – Connects sea-based capabilities with land objectives

Significance of the Doctrines

• National Security – Protects critical infrastructure such as power grids, defence networks, and communications

• Force Multiplier – Integrates cyber tools with traditional warfare tactics

• Maritime Superiority – Ensures dominance in littoral zones

• Jointness in Armed Forces – Promotes synergy among Army, Navy, and Air Force

• Hybrid Warfare Preparedness – Tackles combined cyber, sea, and land threats

• Diplomatic Signalling – Demonstrates India’s capability and resolve

Conclusion

• These declassified doctrines mark a strategic leap in India’s defence preparedness

• Strengthen tri-service integration, safeguard national interests, and enhance readiness for multi-domain conflicts