The Indian government recently revised the Service Rules of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This alteration allows for the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). It also sets the maximum age limit at 65 if a service chief assumes the post of CDS.
Originally, the leaders of the Army, Navy, and Indian Air Force were typically assigned a tenure of three years, or until they reached 62 years old, whichever occurred first. Despite this, the tenure for the Chief of Defence Staff remains undefined.
Establishment of the Chief of Defence Staff
The Cabinet Committee on Security endorsed the formation of the CDS on December 24th, 2019. The CDS serves as the primary military consultant to the defence minister on all matters involving the tri-services.
The individual appointed to the CDS position will hold a four-star rank, equal to the three service chiefs. Additionally, the CDS will act as the enduring chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC), comprising the three service chiefs.
Before the establishment of the CDS, the CoSC chairmanship was not permanent and rotated among the senior-most service chief. This arrangement often resulted in issues of insufficient attention and limited tenures as Chairman, CoSC.
Command Responsibilities of the Chief of Defence Staff
The CDS has considerable command over the tri-service agencies, organisations, and commands concerning cyber and space. Furthermore, the CDS also assumes the role of the Military Adviser to the Nuclear Command Authority.
| Role | Description |
|---|---|
| Principal military adviser | Advises the defence minister on all tri-service matters. |
| Chairman of CoSC | Permanent role, involves command over the Chiefs of Staff Committee. |
| Commander of cyber and space entities | Leads tri-service agencies, organisations and commands relating to cyber and space. |
| Military Adviser to Nuclear Command Authority | Advises the Nuclear Command Authority, playing a crucial role in nuclear strategy. |
Major Duties of the Chief of Defence Staff
The Chief of Defence Staff has a significant responsibility for restructuring military commands for the optimal use of resources. This optimisation is largely achieved by promoting jointness in operations, which includes establishing joint or theatre commands.
In order to realise jointness in operation, logistics, transport, training, support services, communications, repairs, and maintenance of the three services, the CDS must achieve this within three years of taking office.
Upon leaving office, the CDS is not eligible for government posts. Furthermore, the CDS is prohibited from pursuing private employment without prior approval for five years post-resignation.