Chiefs of Defence Forces

The Chiefs of Defence Forces represent the highest professional leadership of the Indian Armed Forces, comprising the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), and the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS). These officers are responsible for commanding their respective services, formulating defence policies, and ensuring operational readiness to safeguard the sovereignty and security of India. Together, they form the apex military leadership under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

The Chief of Defence Staff is the principal military adviser to the Government of India on defence-related matters and the senior-most uniformed officer in the armed forces. The office of the CDS was established in December 2019 to promote jointness and integration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

• Current Incumbent: General Anil Chauhan (since 30 September 2022).
• Rank: Four-star General.
• Responsibilities:
  • Acts as the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC).
  • Oversees joint planning, training, and logistics among the three services.
  • Coordinates with the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) within the Ministry of Defence.
  • Advises the government on military strategy, modernisation, and capability development.
  • Promotes the creation of theatre commands for integrated operations.

The CDS plays a vital role in ensuring synergy among the services, facilitating efficient resource utilisation, and strengthening India’s defence preparedness in multi-domain warfare.

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS)

The Chief of the Army Staff is the professional head of the Indian Army, responsible for commanding and managing all land-based military operations.

• Current Incumbent: General Upendra Dwivedi (since 30 June 2024).
• Rank: Four-star General.
• Responsibilities:
  • Directs operational preparedness, personnel management, and equipment maintenance of the Army.
  • Formulates strategies for border security, counter-insurgency, and defence modernisation.
  • Oversees the functioning of commands, training establishments, and regiments.
  • Advises the Government and the CDS on land warfare policy and strategy.

The Army Chief plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s borders, responding to internal security challenges, and supporting civil authorities during emergencies and natural disasters.

Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS)

The Chief of the Naval Staff serves as the head of the Indian Navy, responsible for maritime defence, naval operations, and ensuring the security of India’s maritime interests.

• Current Incumbent: Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi (since 30 April 2024).
• Rank: Four-star Admiral.
• Responsibilities:
  • Commands naval forces and oversees maritime strategy, training, and fleet readiness.
  • Ensures the protection of India’s coastline, sea lanes, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
  • Guides naval modernisation, indigenisation, and technological innovation.
  • Strengthens India’s maritime partnerships and joint operations with allied navies.

Under the leadership of the CNS, the Indian Navy has evolved into a blue-water navy, capable of projecting power beyond regional waters and safeguarding national interests across the Indo-Pacific region.

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS)

The Chief of the Air Staff is the commander of the Indian Air Force (IAF), responsible for maintaining air supremacy, aerial defence, and strategic airlift capabilities.

• Current Incumbent: Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh (since 30 September 2024).
• Rank: Four-star Air Chief Marshal.
• Responsibilities:
  • Oversees the operational readiness of air bases, squadrons, and missile systems.
  • Directs air operations for national defence, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions.
  • Implements programmes for aircraft modernisation, pilot training, and technological innovation.
  • Advises the government on air power strategy and the integration of new-generation weapon systems.

The Air Chief plays a vital role in ensuring air dominance and supporting joint operations with the Army and Navy, particularly in the context of integrated warfare doctrines.

Coordination and Strategic Significance

The Chiefs of Defence Forces operate within a unified framework designed to enhance joint operational capability and inter-service coordination. The Chief of Defence Staff, as the highest-ranking officer, ensures that the three services function cohesively towards common strategic goals. Together, the service chiefs form the Chiefs of Staff Committee, which advises the government on national defence policy, military preparedness, and long-term capability planning.
Their collective responsibilities include:

• Strengthening joint doctrines and inter-service cooperation.
• Enhancing technological innovation and indigenous defence production.
• Ensuring readiness to respond to traditional and emerging security threats.
• Promoting international defence cooperation and strategic partnerships.