Rajnath Singh Empowers CDS to Issue Joint Orders for Armed Forces

In a significant move towards modernizing the Armed Forces, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has authorized the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) to issue Joint Instructions and Joint Orders applicable to all three Services. This decision, announced by the Defence Ministry, represents a departure from the previous system where each Service issued its own separate instructions for matters involving two or more Services. The first Joint Order, released on June 24, 2025, focuses on streamlining procedures, reducing redundancies, and fostering greater cross-Service cooperation. This initiative aims to enhance transparency, coordination, and administrative efficiency within the three Services, marking a new era of jointness and integration, and reinforcing the Armed Forces’ unified mission. Additionally, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to lead a high-level Indian delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China, from June 25 to 26, 2025, where discussions will revolve around regional and international peace and security, counter-terrorism efforts, and cooperation among SCO member states. India is expected to reiterate its commitment to SCO principles, present its vision for international peace, advocate for collaborative efforts against terrorism and extremism, and emphasize the need for increased trade, economic cooperation, and connectivity within the SCO framework.