What are the duties of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as Head of the Department of Military Affairs ?

Correct Option

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) position was established to enhance jointness and integration among the Indian Armed Forces. The CDS heads the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) within the Ministry of Defence.

Statement 1 is correct. The CDS serves as the permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC), a significant change from the earlier system where the chairmanship rotated among the Service Chiefs. This ensures continuity and a unified approach to tri-service issues.

Statement 3 is correct. The CDS is designated as the Principal Military Advisor to the Defence Minister (Raksha Mantri) specifically on all tri-service matters, including joint operations, logistics, and planning.

Incorrect Options

Statement 2 is incorrect. The Chief of Defence Staff does not exercise direct military command or operational authority over the three Service Chiefs (Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and Chief of Air Staff). Each Service Chief retains the operational command of their respective service. The role of the CDS is primarily advisory, facilitative, and focused on integration and resource optimization across the services, not direct operational control.

• Option (a) is incorrect because it includes statement 2, which is factually inaccurate.
• Option (b) is incorrect because it includes statement 2 and excludes statement 3, which is correct.
• Option (c) is incorrect because it includes statement 2, which is factually inaccurate.