In a significant development for the Indian Armed Forces, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has authorized the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Secretary, Department of Military Affairs (DMA) to issue Joint Instructions and Joint Orders for all three Services. According to a statement from the Defence Ministry, this represents a key element in the modernization and transformation of the Armed Forces. This new system replaces the previous one, where each Service independently issued instructions and orders for matters involving multiple Services. The first Joint Order, issued on June 24, 2025, is aimed at streamlining procedures, reducing redundancies, and improving cooperation across Services. The Defence Ministry stated that this initiative will lead to enhanced transparency, better coordination, and increased administrative efficiency within the three Services, promoting a new era of jointness and integration, thus reinforcing the Armed Forces’ unified mission. In related news, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to lead an Indian delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China, from June 25 to 26, 2025. Discussions will cover topics such as regional and international peace and security, counter-terrorism, and cooperative endeavors among the Ministries of Defence of SCO member states. India is expected to underscore its dedication to SCO principles, share its vision for global peace and security, advocate for united efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, and emphasize the need for increased trade, economic cooperation, and connectivity within the SCO.
