INDIA'S THIRD CDS

" A smoker colleague once told me that soldiers do not light up THREE cigarettes from the same match stick. I asked him why? His explanation/justification was amazing. He said that during the pitch dark night scenario of war the moment one lights a match stick, the flame is spotted by the enemy sniper and he takes aim. By that time second soldier has lit up his cigarette sniper has nearly fixed his sight on the flame. Now the flame travels (as seen by sniper) to third soldier to light his cigarette. Sniper takes the aim and shoots to kill the 3^rd soldier. "

 --Gp Capt TP Srivastava 

Indian military is waiting for the 3^rd CDS to be appointed unless yet another extension is granted to the current ‘THREE STAR’ CDS, who did not meet/complete the task entrusted to him. On taking over as CDS he stated innumerable times that he will establish Theatre Commands before his tenure ends. In spite of eight months extension till 31^st May, 2026 the Theatre Command establishment is yet to see the light of the day.

Needless to reinforce that any proposal related with improving Military and National Security, which cannot even fructify on paper in more than SIX YEARS is a USELESS PROPOSAL parroted by military ‘copy cat’ military commanders.

Modi government indeed issued a notification to keep their behind covered for considering and deciding to appoint a THREE STAR officer as CDS. But NOTFICATIONS do not INJECT the KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE and INTER DISCIPLINARY tact, which a SERVICE CHIEF gains/acquires of dealing not only with sister services but also directly with the government of the day. In existing administrative structure a C-in-C does not deal with government directly. Appointing a THREE STAR CDS was and will remain one of the most unprofessional decision ever taken.

It actually amounted to ‘superseding’ at least half a dozen Service Chiefs. Perhaps it is only second to unwarranted and undesirable dismissal of a former CNS. But the action/decision by the government was of not as irrational as the DEAFENING SILENCE maintained by Military commanders of yesteryears.

With the election fury dying down by 4^th May, 2026, perhaps the Modi government might find time to announce name of next CDS along with two Service Chiefs, who are also due to retire. This in itself is indicative of the importance that the government gives to appointment of CDS.

It may not be a palatable truth but the fact is that CDS, that too a SECRETARY LEVEL OFFICER is a titular head and has very little to contribute to policy making at macro level. Hopefully the next CDS will be a former Service Chief. As a norm the 3rd CDS should be a former Chief of Air Staff, Army officers being the first two. Technically, therefore, CDS is below Cabinet Secretary. Is that what was/is desirable?

While appointment of 1^st CDS might be acceptable but appointing 2^nd CDS from a panel, which was not shared with the nation was an ‘under the carpet’ act? Why wasn’t the panel of officers placed in public domain? National security issues are not merely confined to PMO coterie. For that matter has a panel been drawn up for selecting 3^rd CDS?

I still maintain that Indian Military does not require a CDS. That besides, now it is fait accompli and Indian Military will have a CDS. If that be so, there is a need to look into the powers of CDS. There could be many but the most important would be rules regarding process of appointment and removal from the office.

National security is not the responsibility of the government of the day. It is responsibility of entire political outfit of the nation in a democracy. For instance in USA the CDS nominee selected by the government requires approval by Congress. Indian CDS, too must be appointed in a similar manner. No doubt that the government of the day will not accept it. But worse than the government will be ‘UNIFORMED BUREAUCRATS’, who will call it an attempt to politicize the military. US Theatre Commands failed against Afghanistan and now against Iran.

Why can’t CDS be equated or be superior to NSA in warrant of precedence? According to existing rules a high court or supreme court judge cannot be summarily dismissed by the government. For that matter even a civil servant cannot be dismissed summarily. Hence will the Modi government consider introducing similar provisions in case of CDS as well so that his status is also becomes equal or more than Supreme Court judges. Position of CDS in existing Warrant of Precedence needs to be reviewed.

Similarily CDS has no role whatsoever in deciding the Defence Budget and weapons acquisition. HAL/DRDO do not even look at CDS except for ceremonial occasions. CDS must be the final authority for weapons acquisition along with Service Chiefs. Defence Procurement Board MUST BE HEADED BY CDS AND NOT DEFENCE SECRETARY AS AT PRESENT. But the irony is that neither CDS has deemed it fit to raise the issue till now.

Two CDS,s have not expressed their opinion/views on above issues. Will the 3^rd and subsequent CDS,s be stuck to the glossies containing Theatre commands proposal or they will genuinely contribute to well being of the military? Neither CDS,s so far have uttered a word about improving conditions of an ordinary soldier. With 8^th Pay Commission in the midst of finalizing their recommendations within a year or so, current CDS has yet to express his views, at least as yet. If he has sent a ‘secret’ paper directly to Pay Commission, it is another matter.

Military does not require a ‘TITULAR’ head. Military requires an ‘EXECUTIVE’ head, which is what the THREE SERVICE CHIEFS are. It is these ‘THREE SOLDIERS’, with ‘MUTUAL INTER-DEPENDENCE’ as their MOTTO, who will command, guide and lead their respective Services in times of war to ensure that CONFLICT TERMINATION SITUATION is favourable to India, always and every time.