IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN LAWS IN INDIA

India, an original voice within the post-war international order and a committed upholder of humanitarian values, is a case study in the domestic implementation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). With a robust architecture on paper, including enabling legislation and military doctrine, the alignment of IHL principles into coherent practice, particularly in non-international armed conflicts (NIACs) on its territory, reflects strong challenges. This paper, from the perspective of a law student struggling with theoretical inclinations and ground realities, critically examines India's experience with IHL. It examines the legislative architecture, institutional arrangements, judicial interventions, and persistent gaps in terms of basic principles like distinction, proportionality, and humane treatment. The analysis highlights the tension between security imperatives and humanitarian commitments, the impact of colonial legacies in counter-insurgency doctrine, and the need for judicial oversight. The paper argues that India possesses the foundational instruments for IHL compliance. Still, enhanced political will, doctrinal clarity, institutional strengthening, and a deeper integration of humanitarian principles into security operations are necessary in bridging the implementation gap and solidifying its commitment to the laws of armed conflict.