Unified Command: Rajnath Singh’s Reforms for Armed Forces

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has taken a pivotal step towards modernizing the Armed Forces by granting the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Secretary, Department of Military Affairs (DMA) the authority to issue Joint Instructions and Joint Orders applicable to all three Services. This move, disclosed by the Defence Ministry, signifies a departure from the earlier protocol where each Service issued separate instructions for matters concerning two or more Services. The first Joint Order, released on June 24, 2025, emphasizes the importance of streamlining procedures, eliminating redundancies, and bolstering cross-Service collaboration. The Ministry highlights that this initiative will cultivate greater transparency, coordination, and administrative efficiency within the three Services, heralding a new era of jointness and integration. Furthermore, Rajnath Singh is slated to lead a high-level Indian delegation to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China, from June 25-26, 2025. Discussions will center on key topics, including regional and international peace and security, counter-terrorism efforts, and collaborative initiatives among the SCO member states’ defense ministries. India is anticipated to reiterate its commitment to SCO principles, present its vision for achieving greater international peace and security, promote united efforts to eliminate terrorism and extremism, and advocate for enhanced trade, economic cooperation, and connectivity within the SCO framework.