Central Command (India)

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Central Command is one of the seven operational commands of the Indian Army. It is based in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Formation and history
- The command was first created in 1942 during World War II and was disbanded in 1946.
- It was re-established on 1 May 1963 after the Sino-Indian War of 1962.
- Lt Gen K Bahadur Singh was the first commander of the revived Central Command.

Role and area
- Central Command oversees the central sector of the Western border with Pakistan and manages many training and logistic establishments.
- Its area of responsibility covers eight states: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
- The command includes 18 regimental centers and numerous training and logistics units.
- Lucknow remains its headquarters, and almost half of India’s cantonments lie within its theatre.

Operations and responsibilities
- Central Command has carried out humanitarian and flood-relief missions, including in Delhi and Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh).
- It has two static area formations: Uttar Bharat Area and Madhya Bharat Area.
- Historically a strategic reserve, it now also manages the Uttarakhand sector of the Indo-Tibet and Indo-Nepal borders.

Future developments
- In February 2024, reports indicated plans to form XVIII Corps under Central Command for deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The corps would include at least one division and three independent brigades, such as 14 RAPID Division, 9 Mountain Brigade, 136 Mountain Brigade, and 119 Mountain Brigade. This would convert HQ Uttar Bharat from a static formation into a full combat arm.

Leadership
- Current commander: Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta (UYSM AVSM YSM).
- Notable past commander: General S F Rodrigues.