What happened?
On June 24, 2025, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh authorised the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs (DMA), to issue Joint Instructions and Joint Orders for all three Services. This decision marks a shift from the previous system where instructions for multiple services were issued separately by each service. The first Joint Order, released on the same day, focuses on streamlining procedures and enhancing cross-Service cooperation.
Why it matters to India
This initiative is a major step towards the modernisation and transformation of India’s Armed Forces, aiming for greater synergy, improved transparency, coordination, and administrative efficiency. By centralising the issuance of joint instructions, it reinforces the unity of purpose among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, which is crucial for the ongoing theaterisation drive and for effectively responding to future security challenges. This move addresses previous limitations in command and control within joint commands, strengthening India’s military preparedness and operational effectiveness.