Review the charter of CDS and DMA. Theatre command reform must not fail

Two years ago, India implemented its most significant reform in its higher defence organisational structure by appointing General Bipin Rawat as the first Chief of Defence Staff on 1 January 2020. His three-year tenure was sadly cut short by a tragic helicopter accident on 8 December 2021.

Gen Rawat’s legacy of his 23 months tenure has been to firmly implant the idea of transformation and integration of the armed forces in the psyche of the nation and the armed forces alike. It is imperative that despite the setback, the momentum of reforms is maintained, and the show goes on.

As we await the appointment of the next CDS, it would be appropriate to take stock of the current state of progress in each area of responsibility assigned to the CDS, viz.

promoting jointness, including through establishment of joint/theatre commands; promoting indigenisation; formulating Integrated Capability Development Plan (ICDP); and reforming acquisition and budgetary process.