Talks to defuse Siachen tension on the cards: Pranab

"We have to reduce our dependence on foreign weapons, for which technological upgradation is required," the defence minister said. On the appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the minister said the central government had decided not to appoint a CDS. "The day I assumed office I had said I have not decided to appoint a Chief of Defence Staff," he said when asked whether a CDS would be appointed by the government.

On why the appointment of Chief of Defence Staff was being delayed, Mukherjee said "'has anybody in the government said there is going to be a Chief of Defence Staff? What is your source that there will be a Chief of Defence Staff? From where did you get the idea that it is being delayed?"'

He said even during the tenure of the previous government a group of ministers had made a recommendation and after that they were in office for two years. "But they did not take any decision on the appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff."