Interoperability and Joint Orders in Indian Armed Forces

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has been given the authority to issue joint instructions and orders to the Army, Air Force, and Navy, marking a significant shift from the previous system where each service issued orders individually.

• This move aims to enhance interoperability and jointness among the three armed forces.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has granted these enhanced powers to the CDS.

First Joint Order Issued

• The first joint order under this new authority was issued on Tuesday.
• The focus of the first order is on 'Approval, Promulgation and Numbering of Joint Instructions and Joint Orders'.
• It emphasizes the need to streamline procedures and eliminate redundancies.
• Enhancing cross-service cooperation is also a primary goal of this initiative.

Significance of the Initiative

• This initiative lays the foundation for improved transparency within the armed forces.
• It is expected to boost coordination and administrative efficiency among the three services.
• Officials describe this as the beginning of a new era of jointness and integration among the armed forces.