New Delhi, Dec 25
The Centre is likely to announce the name of the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on December 26 (Thursday), sources said on Wednesday. The Union Cabinet on Tuesday (December 24) had approved the committee's report following which the announced related to CDS was made.
The CDS will be India's one-point military officer to help the Central government deal with defence affairs and will be a Four-Star officer. The position has been created under the Ministry of Defence and will head the Department of Military Affairs. All the integrated tri-services defence commands will be under the Chief of Defence Staff.
The position of CDS was recommended by the Kargil Review Committee formed in the aftermath of the 1999 war with Pakistan and the Naresh Chandra Committee. Created with the aim of ensuring better synchronisation and understanding between the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, the CDS will also ensure optimum utilisation of the defence budget.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on August 15, 2019, announced the creation of CDS following which a committee under National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was formed which defined the role and powers of the position.
