The Indian Armed Forces are the military forces of the Union of Republic of India. It consists of three[13][14] professional uniformed services: the Indian Army,Indian Navy, Indian Air Force. Additionally, the Indian Armed Forces are supported by three paramilitary organisations[15] (Assam Rifles, Indian Coast Guard and Special Frontier Force) and various inter-service institutions such as the Strategic Forces Command.

It is important to note that the Central Armed Police Forces, which are commonly and incorrectly referred to as 'Paramilitary Forces', are headed by officers from the Indian Police Service and are under the control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Ministry of Defence.