With reference to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), consider the following statements: 1. CDS heads the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). 2. The idea of creating the post of CDS was first suggested by the Kargil Review Committee. 3. The CDS does not have operational command over the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. How many of the statements given above are correct? |ForumIAS

Q. With reference to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), consider the following statements:
1.CDS heads the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).
2.The idea of creating the post of CDS was first suggested by the Kargil Review Committee.
3.The CDS does not have operational command over the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

[A] Only one

[B] Only two

[C] All three

[D] None

Answer: A

Notes:

Explanations –

Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in India is the head of Chiefs of Staff Committee and Department of Military Affairs. The NSCS is overseen by the Prime Minister, with the National Security Adviser (NSA) serving as its secretary. The idea of creating the post of CDS was first suggested by the Kargil Review Committee (1999), and its implementation was later recommended by a Group of Ministers in 2001. However, it was formally established in 2019 based on recommendations from a committee led by Lt. General D.B. Shekatkar.

Statement 3 is correct. The CDS does not have operational command over the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The CDS acts as a single-point military advisor to the government and is responsible for fostering inter-service coordination but does not hold operational command.

Source: The Hindu

Post-Mains Strategy Session by Mr. Ayush Sinha | ForumIAS