Hindu Editorial Analysis : 17-May-2024

The establishment of new positions at a higher level in India’s defence structure aims to empower the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). This initiative seeks to improve jointness among the armed forces, enabling better sharing of expertise and resources. The overarching goal is to enhance the composite combat capability of the military.

Background

For many years, the lack of jointness among the three branches of the armed forces has been seen as a major limitation. Key events leading to the current framework include:

  • Kargil Review Committee (1999): Led by Shri K Subrahmanyam, this committee emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of India’s National Security framework to improve defence decision-making.
  • Group of Ministers (2001): Following the Kargil Review, this group recommended the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff position to address the issues identified.

About Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

In December 2019, the Cabinet Committee on Security made a significant decision to establish the CDS role. This was intended to enhance military advice to the political leadership through better integration of services. Key points include:

  • Permanent Chairman: The CDS serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.
  • Principal Military Adviser: The CDS provides unbiased military advice to the Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister) on all tri-services matters.
  • First Among Equals: The CDS is a four-star general and works alongside the other three service chiefs.

General Bipin Rawat was appointed as India’s first CDS on December 31, 2019.

Objectives

The main objectives of the CDS include:

  • Enhancing Combat Efficiency: Improve overall combat capability across all three services.
  • Promoting Jointness: Ensure cooperation in operations, logistics, training, and communication among the armed forces.
  • Developing Expertise: Foster a deeper understanding of defence matters for more informed decision-making.

Issues and Concerns

Despite the progress, several challenges remain:

  • Delay in Appointment: It took nine months to appoint a new CDS after General Rawat’s tragic death.
  • Concerns Over Dignity: Recent changes in eligibility criteria for the CDS role have raised concerns about the office’s dignity.
  • Service Chiefs’ Roles: There are worries that the theaterisation process may undermine the authority of service chiefs.
  • Ongoing Security Challenges: National security remains under threat due to issues like:
    • Two-front operational challenges along the borders with China and Pakistan.
    • Unresolved territorial disputes.
    • State-sponsored terrorism.
  • Overloaded Responsibilities: The current responsibilities of the CDS may be excessive and could hinder effectiveness.

Why In News

New posts at a higher level are being envisaged to empower the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to achieve the larger objective of enhancing jointness—defined as the effective sharing of domain expertise and assets—and improving composite combat capability, thereby ensuring a more coordinated and responsive military force.

MCQs about The Role of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

  1. What was a primary reason for establishing the position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)?
    A. To reduce the number of military personnel
    B. To enhance jointness among the armed forces
    C. To eliminate the need for service chiefs
    D. To increase the budget for defense
    Correct Answer: B. To enhance jointness among the armed forces
    Explanation: The CDS role was created to improve cooperation and sharing of expertise among the three branches of the military, thereby enhancing overall combat capability.
  2. Who was appointed as India’s first Chief of Defence Staff?
    A. General Bipin Rawat
    B. General Manoj Mukund Naravane
    C. General V.K. Singh
    D. General Dalbir Singh Suhag
    Correct Answer: A. General Bipin Rawat
    Explanation: General Bipin Rawat was appointed as the first Chief of Defence Staff on December 31, 2019, marking a significant milestone in India’s military leadership.
  3. What major challenge does the CDS face in terms of national security?
    A. Lack of funding for military operations
    B. Coordination among the three services
    C. Overloaded responsibilities
    D. Ineffective training programs
    Correct Answer: C. Overloaded responsibilities
    Explanation: The current responsibilities of the CDS may be excessive, leading to concerns about effectiveness in addressing national security challenges.
  4. What was a significant recommendation made by the Kargil Review Committee in 1999?
    A. Increase the number of military bases
    B. Create a unified military command
    C. Review the National Security framework
    D. Eliminate the position of service chiefs
    Correct Answer: C. Review the National Security framework
    Explanation: The Kargil Review Committee, led by Shri K Subrahmanyam, recommended a comprehensive review of the National Security framework to improve decision-making in defense matters.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading