Chief of Defence Staff

The Chief of Defence Staff is the senior tri-service military office created to improve coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force in higher defence decision-making. Created in 2019, the CDS serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, Principal Military Adviser to the Defence Minister and Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs.

Position in higher defence organisation

• The CDS is the Principal Military Adviser to the Defence Minister on tri-service matters, while each Service Chief continues to advise on matters concerning that service.
• As Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, the CDS promotes coordinated military advice and inter-service consensus.
• As Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs, the CDS administers its allocated business and facilitates integration between the Services.
• The CDS is a member of the Defence Acquisition Council and Defence Planning Committee, and acts as military adviser to the Nuclear Command Authority.

Core mandate

The mandate seeks to convert three largely service-specific structures into a more integrated force without merging the distinct identities of the Services.

• The CDS promotes jointness in operations, procurement, training, staffing, communications and logistics.
• The CDS facilitates restructuring of military commands, including the establishment of joint or theatre commands, through consultation and consensus.
• The CDS administers tri-service organisations, agencies and commands assigned to the office.
• The CDS assigns inter-service priorities for capital acquisition and supports integrated capability development and acquisition planning.
• The CDS encourages optimal use and rationalisation of infrastructure, greater combat effectiveness and reduction of wasteful expenditure.
• As head of the Department of Military Affairs, the CDS also promotes the use of indigenous equipment by the Services.

Limits of authority

• The CDS does not exercise military command over the three Service Chiefs or their forces.
• Operational and service-specific responsibilities remain with the respective Service Chiefs, preserving their direct advisory role on such matters.

How UPSC asks this