Editorial of the Day (16th May): The CDS that Should be

Context

• The Indian military’s ongoing restructuring into integrated theatre commands (ITC) is gaining traction, with plans for appointing a Vice Chief of Defence Staff (Vice CDS) and a Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Deputy CDS).
• This development is cautiously welcomed, though a review of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) post is merited for further clarity.

The Evolution of the CDS Position

• The CDS position was created in 2019 to address the lack of jointness among the armed forces.
• The CDS serves as
  • a four-star general, the first among equals with the service chiefs, and
  • also acts as the Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Defence and
  • the Principal Adviser to the Defence Minister on inter-service issues.
• This complex role requires a balance of military expertise, bureaucratic acumen, and political advisory.

First CDS and Challenges

• General Bipin Rawat was appointed as the first CDS in January 2020.
• However, his tenure was cut short by a fatal air accident in December 2021, leaving many of his initiated policies in limbo.
• The Modi government took nine months to appoint Lt Gen Anil Chauhan (retd) as the second CDS in October 2022, a decision that raised eyebrows due to the unprecedented recall of a retired officer.

Proposed Changes

• The introduction of a Vice CDS in four-star rank raises questions about rank hierarchy and the role of service chiefs.
• The Maritime Theatre Command’s proposed base in Coimbatore is also a point of contention.
• The report suggests that the bureaucratic role of the CDS could be transferred to the VCDS, allowing the CDS to focus on military matters.

Challenges and Considerations

• India faces a two-front operational tasking along its land borders with China and Pakistan, along with unresolved territorial disputes and state-sponsored terrorism.
• Enhancing combat efficiency and preparing for new threats posed by technological advancements are crucial.
• Since the creation of the CDS position in 2019, there has been no significant improvement in India’s overall combat efficiency.

Looking Ahead

• The new government taking office in June will need to make resolute and objective decisions regarding the evolution of the CDS institution.
• The CDS must maintain professional independence and uphold the oath of allegiance to the Constitution.

Sharing is caring!