Genesis of the appointment of CDS (Chief of Defence Staff) lies in the report of Kargil Review Committee that was constituted in the year 1999 after the Kargil War. CDS was meant to act as one point contact for the Higher Defence Management of the Government of India. The primary goal was to bring unanimity in defence acquisitions, strike capabilities and overall policy initiatives.
General Bipin Rawat became the first CDS to hold that post with effect from 31 December 2019 after his retirement as COAS (Chief of Army Staff). Military reforms were operationalised in the form of tri-service integration and coordination, and equipment acquisition by the first CDS Late General Bipin Rawat. CDS, therefore, became the main link of operationality of military functioning and the government’s defence policy making. The roles played by the CDS in the perspective of National Defence are:
- Principal Military Advisor to Defence Minister on all tri-services issues
- Administration of the Tri-Service organizations/agencies/commands
- Member of Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Defence Minister
- Military Advisor to the Nuclear Command Authority
It is envisaged that fifth-generation wars will be asymmetric and fought across entire spectrums, including land, air, sea, cyber, information, and economies. General Rawat aligning with the modern warfare system went on to set up five theatre commands to combine army, air force, and naval assets and create joint combat capability. Once operationalised, these commands are to replace the current 17 service-specific commands. But the unfortunate and untimely demise of General Rawat in a helicopter accident left the process of defence modernisation half way.
On 6 June 2022, the government of India issued three gazette notifications related to the amendment in three defence personnel rules & regulations thereby widening the pool for eligible officers to be appointed as CDS.
On 28 September 2022, Lt General Anil Chauhan (retired) has now been appointed as new Chief of Defence Staff. Born on 18 May 1961, Lt Gen Anil Chauhan, was commissioned in to Indian Army in 1981. Alumnus of National defence academy (NDA) Khadakwasla and IMA (Indian Military Academy) Dehradun, Lt Gen Chauhan had tenanted several important Command and staff appointments before he retired as Eastern Command Chief in May 2021. Lt Gen Chauhan even after his retirement has been contributing to the national defence significantly. He will continue to function as the secretary to the Government of India, Department of Military Affairs with effect from the date of his assumption of charge and until further orders.
A decorated soldier Lt Gen Anil Chauhan was already awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal for his distinguished and illustrious service in the Army. The country looks forward to filling the gap created by untimely demise of the first CDS, Gen Bipin Rawat and accelerating the rate of much needed military modernisation.Â