A wobbly first year for the CDS

Deep and candid introspection is warranted for the Chief of Defence Staff to have a tangible impact on military reforms

The Narendra Modi government took a major policy decision in creating the post of a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on January 1. This political resolve to address a long-delayed issue pertaining to India’s higher defence management was welcomed as a commendable initiative. Approval was accorded for creating “the post of Chief of Defence Staff in the rank of a four-star General with salary and perquisites equivalent to a Service Chief” and it was understood that the CDS  would be the first among equals.

Prime Minister Modi  made the announcement  fairly early in his second term from the Red Fort during