New Delhi: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has called upon the Indian Armed Forces to foster a Joint Culture as they progress towards forming Joint Operational Structures. Speaking at the 22nd Major General Samir Sinha Memorial Lecture, organized by the United Service Institution of India (USI) in New Delhi, Gen Chauhan emphasized the significance of developing what he termed as Jointness 2.0, marking the next phase in military integration.
Reflecting on past efforts, the CDS described Jointness 1.0 as an era focused on enhancing camaraderie and achieving consensus among the three services—Army, Navy, and Air Force. He noted that with no major inter-service conflicts, it is now feasible to advance to Jointness 2.0, which involves deeper integration and collaboration.
Gen Chauhan acknowledged the unique cultures inherent to each branch of the Armed Forces but stressed the necessity of creating a new, overarching Joint Culture. “While Joint Culture differs from the specific cultures of each service, it must respect and incorporate the best elements from each. We must strive for the Highest Common Factor rather than settling for the Least Common Denominator,” he remarked. He mentioned various initiatives underway, including the involvement of all three services in national events, to promote this Joint Culture.
Highlighting the importance of Jointness and Integration, the CDS pointed out that these are essential steps towards establishing functional Integrated Theatre Commands. “The creation of such commands will delineate ‘operational’ functions from Raise-Train-Sustain (RTS) and other administrative duties, enabling the operational commander to concentrate more effectively on security matters,” he explained.
Gen Chauhan further clarified that the establishment of Theatre Commands is not an endpoint but a precursor to further reforms. These Integrated Theatre Commands will pave the way for advancements such as transitioning from Single to Multi Domain operations, integrating space and cyber operations into traditional military domains, digitizing battlefield information and visualization, and moving from a net-centric to a data-centric approach.
Addressing the broader context of these reforms, the CDS underscored their necessity in light of the evolving global security landscape. “Nation-states worldwide are confronting new challenges, and the current flux in the world order is compelling countries to reassess their security strategies. The rapid and relentless advance of technology is revolutionizing the nature of future warfare,” he added.
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