Once more step towards singularity in Joint Tri Services control
The creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff along with the department of Military Affairs under the Raksha Mantri is slowly but surely strengthening India’s defence preparedness. The move is ensuring that the Armed Forces operate as a fully modernised entity, function in a cohesive manner and are capable of meeting contemporary security challenges most effectively through a joint response.
Shri Rajnath Singh, the Raksha Mantri has heralded a new phase of integration, reinforcing the collective strength and operational synergy of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force by authorising the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in his capacity as the Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) to issue Joint Instructions and Joint Orders applicable to the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The landmark decision on 24 Jun 2025 marks a departure from the traditional practice, where Army / Air Force / Navy Services each issued their own Services Instructions after obtaining the approval of the MoD and MoD finance. Also each Service independently issued their Orders on matters involving two or more Services, often resulting in overlapping directives and administrative redundancies.
Now the first Joint Government letter titled ‘Approval, Promulgation and Numbering of Joint Instructions and Joint Orders,’ was issued immediately following the announcement of the Raksha Mantri. This GOI letter is designed to standardise procedures, streamline processes, and eliminate unnecessary duplications across the Services.
By centralising the Control channel and empowering the CDS in his capacity as the DMA Secretary, Raksha Mantri aims to enhance coordination, improve administrative efficiency, and foster greater transparency within the Armed Forces.
This move is widely regarded as a foundational step towards achieving true integration and jointness in military administration and a new step towards Joint operations and joint planning. It is expected to facilitate a more unified approach to defence management, enabling the Services to function with a greater sense of unity and purpose.
