India’s ambitious military reform initiative, theaterisation, is currently stalled due to ambiguities surrounding rank and command authority. The complexity arises from the historical evolution of military ranks, where four-star Service Chiefs in Delhi appear to overshadow three-star Commanders-in-Chief in the field, leading to a dilution of operational command. The recently passed Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act, 2023, while providing some statutory recognition, does not adequately address the operational command gap crucial for effective joint operations. As India faces multifaceted security challenges, resolving these discrepancies is vital for achieving true military integration, ensuring that the armed forces can operate cohesively in future conflicts, thereby maintaining national security and strategic superiority.