In a significant moment for India’s military framework, Lieutenant General JP Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), delivered a heartfelt farewell address as he officially relinquished his responsibilities at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) in Mehram Nagar, Delhi Cantonment. His remarks highlighted the remarkable advancements made in jointness, interoperability, and strategic integration among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Lt Gen Mathew expressed earnest gratitude for the collective efforts of the armed forces, recognizing the strides taken in emerging domains such as cyber and space, which he deemed critical to modern warfare. His tenure has seen substantial improvements in enhancing synergy among the services, operational readiness, and efficient coordination during multi-domain operations. He particularly acknowledged the Defence Cyber Agency, which has been pivotal in bolstering cybersecurity since its operational commencement in 2021.
His address aligned seamlessly with the Ministry of Defence’s ambitious “Decade of Transformation” (2023–2032), wherein 2025 has been earmarked as the “Year of Reforms.” He encouraged personnel to embrace a culture of innovation and integration to ensure that the Indian Armed Forces remain a “Future-Ready” entity capable of addressing intricate and evolving security challenges.
The farewell event gathered senior officers representing all three services, symbolizing the integrated spirit nurtured at HQ IDS. As Lt Gen Mathew steps down from the three-star position, typically held on a rotational basis among the branches, his focus on a unified military strategy has become even more pressing amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
Reflecting on the origins of the Integrated Defence Staff, arising from the Kargil Review Committee recommendations in 1999, he reiterated the vision of tri-service collaboration. This vision has only gained importance in the present era, especially given the complexities of modern warfare. His legacy, as he departs, is one characterized by renewed momentum in joint operations, doctrinal integration, and enhanced readiness across both conventional and non-traditional security arenas.
In concluding his remarks, Lt Gen Mathew delivered a poignant message: the pillars of unity, innovation, and preparedness are essential for a resilient and future-proof Indian military, setting the tone for the journey ahead as new leadership takes the helm.
