Who is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces ?

Under Article 53(2) of the Indian Constitution, the supreme command of the Defence Forces of the Union is expressly vested in the President of India [5]. In this capacity, the President is the nominal head of the Indian Armed Forces and holds the power to appoint the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force [4]. While the President has the authority to declare war or conclude peace, this power is subject to parliamentary regulation and is exercised on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister [5]. Although the Prime Minister serves as the executive head and exercises actual control over the military, the formal status of Supreme Commander remains with the President as the Head of State [4]. This constitutional arrangement ensures civilian control over the military through the highest constitutional office [5].

Sources

1. [5] https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/why-the-president-of-india-is-also-supreme-commander-of-the-armed-forces-8068636/
2. [2] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 18: President > Milit ary Powers > p. 191
3. [3] Exploring Society:India and Beyond. Social Science-Class VI . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 10: Grassroots Democracy — Part 1: Governance > LET'S EXPLORE > p. 157
4. [4] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 11: The Union Executive > 2. Powers and Duties of the President > p. 213