The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) is the senior-most uniformed military officer in India, acting as the principal military advisor to the government and coordinating among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. While the CDS oversees jointness and integration among the three services, the COAS focuses solely on the Indian Army.
Role & Responsibility of Chief of Army Staff and CDS
Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
- The Chief of Army Staff is the professional head and highest-ranking officer of the Indian Army.
- Responsible for commanding the entire army, ensuring operational readiness, and overseeing national defense.
- Collaborates with the government, Ministry of Defence, and other armed forces branches for strategic planning and implementation.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
- The CDS is the senior-most military officer and principal military advisor to the Defence Minister on all tri-service (Army, Navy, Air Force) matters.
- Heads the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) in the Ministry of Defence and acts as its Secretary
- Serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, fostering operational synergy and jointness among the three services.
- Oversees tri-service organizations, including those related to cyber, space, and special operations.
- Advises on nuclear command matters and is a member of key defense councils and committees.
- Does not exercise direct operational command over the three services but coordinates their joint functioning and reforms for optimal resource utilization.
- Appointed from among four-star officers of any service, with a term until the age of 65.
Key Differences
| Role | Chief of Army Staff (COAS) | Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Indian Army only | All three services |
| Authority | Direct command of Army | Principal advisor, no direct command |
| Main Function | Army operations, readiness | Jointness, integration, tri-service policy |
Background
- The CDS position was created in 2020 to enhance inter-service coordination and jointness, following recommendations from various defense committees.
Significance
- The COAS ensures the Indian Army’s effectiveness.
- The CDS streamlines tri-service operations, procurement, and reforms, acting as a single-point military advisor to the government
