Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the 15th of August, announced India will have a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS.)
Mr. Modi said, “Our forces are India’s pride. To further sharpen coordination between the forces, I want to announce a major decision from the Red Fort: India will have a CDS.” He further added, “This is going to make the forces even more effective.”
A CDS will have administrative control over the Indian Armed Forces and will coordinate with the three forces, the Army, the Air Force and the Navy, as a whole.
The CDS will also strategise the operations conducted by the three forces and will give single point for military advice to the Government of India (GoI.)
The decision was taken by the GoI to strengthen the Indian Armed Forces.
During his speech after hoisting the tricolour, PM Modi said India should have a CDS committee. This is not the first time the GoI recommended a CDS. In 2000, 2001, 2012 and 2016, a group of ministers, the then Defence Ministers, as well as other leaders, also suggested the same. However, the then Government did not appoint a CDS.
However, the PM Modi led the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not reveal when and how the CDS will be appointed.
Before finalising a CDS, the GoI has to figure out some aspects like the tenure of the CDS, the reporting head of the CDS and other aspects.
The PM Modi and the Defence Ministry of India are expected to soon announce a CDS, who will be a four star general.
Stay tuned for further updates.
