Next Chief of Defence Staff India

The Chief of Defence Staff India (CDS) is a brand-new position in the Indian military. The CDS is meant to be a single-point military advisor to the government on important defence and strategic issues for the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. Bipin Rawat was the first CDS, taking office on January 1, 2020, and serving until his tragic death in a helicopter crash on December 8, 2021.

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Who will be next CDS?

Lt Gen Anil Chauhan appointed as Chief of Defence Staff, following the death of General Rawat, pending the selection of a new CDS.

Why india is needed a Chief of defence staff?

The position of the CDS was created with the aim of improving coordination, tri-service effectiveness and overall integration of the combat capabilities of the Indian armed forces. The CDS will act as a coordinating authority between all three wings of defence forces and the Government of India. The CDS is a four-star officer chosen from among the Indian Armed Forces’ serving officers. As secretary of the Ministry of Defence’s Department of Military Affairs, the CDS is in charge. The CDS is also the Permanent Chairperson of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, in addition to leading the Department of Military Affairs.

Details of CDS

The Cabinet appointments Committee appoints the CDS. After Kargil war it was demanded for the appointment of CDS who will coordinate and integrate with Army, Air force and Navy.

Chief of Defence in other Countries

Some of the countries use the terms such as Chief of Staff, Commander-in-Chief, Chief of Defence Forces and Supreme Commander, etc. for the post of CDS.

S.N.	Name of the Country	Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
1	Italy	Chief of the Defence Staff
2	France	Chief of Staff of the Armies
3	China	Chief of the General Staff
4	Spain	Chief of the Defence Staff
5	UK	Chief of the Defence Staff
6	Canada	Chief of the Defence Staff
7	Japan	Chief of Staff, Joint Staff