Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

Definition

The single-point military adviser to the government on tri-service matters and the head of the Department of Military Affairs in the Ministry of Defence, created to bring integration and "jointness" among the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Key points

• The post was announced by the Prime Minister on 15 August 2019 and the first CDS, General Bipin Rawat, assumed office on 1 January 2020.
• The CDS is a four-star officer (equal in rank to the three service chiefs) who acts as the Principal Military Adviser to the Defence Minister, while each service chief continues to advise on single-service matters.
• The CDS heads the newly created Department of Military Affairs (DMA), one of the departments of the Ministry of Defence, and is its Secretary; the DMA handles the three services, procurement of service-specific items, and "jointness".
• The CDS is also the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and is tasked with promoting jointness in procurement, training and logistics, and with bringing in theatre commands.
• The CDS does not exercise direct operational command over the three services; operational control stays with the service chiefs, while the CDS provides integration and advice.

Why it matters for CAPF

The CDS is the headline defence-reform institution; the 2019 announcement, the 1 January 2020 start, the first incumbent, and the DMA link are frequently asked.

Common confusion

The CDS is the top military adviser and head of the DMA but is not a super-commander of the forces; operational command remains with the individual service chiefs. The CDS is distinct from the Defence Secretary, who is a civil servant heading the Department of Defence.

Related concepts

concept integrated defence staff, concept tri service theatre commands, concept national security council, concept strategic forces command

Parent note

indian defence forces and modernisation