The government has announced the appointment of General Raja Subramani as the new Chief of Defence Staff, a position that has become central in the security architecture of the country in light of the recent reforms related to jointness and creation of joint theatre commands for the defence forces. By virtue of his strategic outlook, temperament, professionalism, nonpartisan approach and vast experience, General Subramani appears ideally suited for this assignment. The government also deserves credit for this selection while resisting the temptation to treat this critical position as a rotating billet between the three services.
His journey, however, will not be easy as he takes charge at a time when India faces a complex mix of internal and external security challenges. For the Indian defence forces, the world has rarely appeared more uncertain. Instability in the neighbourhood and conflicts raging across the globe are directly and indirectly affecting India’s security calculus.
The first challenge before the new CDS will be to ensure that the transition of the Indian defence forces from individual fighting monoliths to a well-integrated edifice is carried out smoothly. This process of jointness and integration, though widely discussed within the defence establishment, has progressed slowly due to organisational friction and turf considerations. While theatre commands and structural changes at the higher levels may materialise soon, the larger challenge lies in bringing about deeper institutional reforms that create genuine integration. The CDS will have to ensure that all stakeholders rise above individual service interests and remain focused on tri-service effectiveness and national objectives.
Recent conflicts have also demonstrated that warfare is undergoing rapid transformation, requiring focus not only on technology and modernisation but also on rethinking concepts and doctrines. Most important is the integration of war and politics because, as Russian military theorist Carl von Clausewitz observed, “War is not an independent phenomenon but the continuation of politics by different means.” In recent years, there has been better coordination amongst different elements of national power, as witnessed during Operation Sindoor, but the need now is to ensure seamless synergy amongst all security agencies operating in unison. The CDS can play a vital role in institutionalising this coordination at the national level.
Notwithstanding Operation Sindoor and relations with Pakistan and other neighbours, the most significant security challenge India has faced in the last decade has been along the northern borders with the People’s Liberation Army of China. Effective management of the Line of Actual Control and maintenance of a credible defensive posture along the China border remain essential not only for national security but also for creating conditions for a more stable relationship with China. This would provide India the time and strategic space required for capability building and addressing other emerging challenges. The CDS must therefore remain firmly focused on the northern frontier and handle any developing situation with firmness, diplomacy and tact.
Maintaining modern armed forces is an expensive enterprise requiring enormous financial resources. India’s defence expenditure, at approximately 2.2 per cent of GDP, remains below the global average and may require enhancement despite the competing demands of a developing economy. Equally important, however, is ensuring that allocated resources are spent prudently to build operational capability. General Subramani’s tenure as Vice Chief of the Army, where he handled the Army’s budget and was closely involved with the proceedings of the Defence Acquisition Council, should prove valuable in this regard.
Finally, the new CDS will also carry the expectations of millions of serving and retired soldiers who will look to him for protecting their dignity, traditions, financial interests and welfare. Issues related to pay, pensions, promotions, health schemes and armed forces tribunals will continue to demand attention and sensitivity. Balancing operational priorities with the welfare concerns of the soldier community will require compassion, empathy and firmness.
The office of the Chief of Defence Staff was created to prepare India’s military establishment for the challenges of future warfare through integration, strategic clarity and national synergy. The broad contours of the task before General Raja Subramani are therefore clearly defined. The success of his tenure will depend upon how effectively he is able to translate intent into enduring institutional reform.
(The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.)