In a historic move aimed at improving India’s military unity and interoperability, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has been given official authority to issue joint instructions and directives to the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
This substantial policy adjustment, approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, marks a departure from the long-standing tradition of each military service issuing its own distinct directions.
The first joint order, issued by CDS General Anil Chauhan on Tuesday, focuses on the ‘Approval, Promulgation, and Numbering of Joint Instructions and Joint Orders’, emphasizing the critical need to streamline operational procedures, eliminate redundancies, and foster seamless cross-service cooperation.
Officials praised the endeavor as a first step toward more openness, cooperation, and administrative efficiency among the three organizations. The shift, which consolidates the command structure and allows for consistent directives, is intended to lead to greater synergy in planning, execution, and resource allocation.
The new structure not only improves operational readiness, but also ushers in a new era of jointness and integration across the Indian Armed Forces.
This breakthrough is regarded as a watershed moment in India’s continuous attempts to modernize its military command and control systems, ensuring that the services can function as a coherent and nimble force in the face of growing security threats.
