Govt allows single-point command for Army, Navy, Air Force via Chief of Defence Staff & DMA Secy

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday authorised the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs (DMA), to issue Joint Instructions and Joint Orders applicable to the Army, Navy, and Air Force, in a step aimed at modernising the functioning of the Indian Armed Forces.

The announcement marks a departure from the earlier system where each Service issued separate instructions on matters involving two or more Services.

The first Joint Order titled ‘Approval, Promulgation and Numbering of Joint Instructions and Joint Orders’ was issued the same day.

The order focuses on streamlining processes, removing redundancies, and enhancing coordination across the Services.

The move is expected to improve administrative efficiency and foster transparency. It is also seen as a foundation for strengthening jointness in military operations and planning.

According to the Ministry of Defence, this step marks the beginning of a new phase of integration across the three Services, reinforcing the Armed Forces’ unity of purpose.