General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), delivered an insightful address to the Future Strategic Leaders of the Indian Armed Forces at the College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad.
Speaking on highly relevant and contemporary topics, the CDS focused on the National Security Architecture and Higher Defence Management, offering a deep and nuanced perspective on the evolving landscape of India’s defence ecosystem.
In his talk, General Chauhan provided a comprehensive overview of the functioning of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) and the ongoing transformation within the armed forces—from the concepts of Jointness and Integration to the progressive move toward Theaterisation. His address underscored the necessity of adapting to evolving geopolitical challenges and the need for coordinated strategic planning among all defence services.
Emphasizing a “whole-of-nation” approach, the CDS urged officers to develop a pragmatic understanding of National Security Architecture, not just as a military imperative but as a collective responsibility involving all national stakeholders. He encouraged future leaders to think beyond conventional boundaries and prepare to address both current and emerging security challenges through strategic foresight, collaboration, and innovation.
The College of Defence Management (CDM), located in Secunderabad, Telangana, holds a distinguished place in India’s defence education landscape. Established in December 1970 as the Institute of Defence Management (IDM), it was re-designated as CDM in April 1985. As Asia’s only exclusive institution dedicated to defence management training, CDM plays a vital role in shaping the strategic and managerial acumen of officers from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and allied services.
General Chauhan’s interaction with the officers reaffirmed CDM’s mission to cultivate leaders capable of steering the Indian Armed Forces into a future defined by integrated thinking, joint warfare capabilities, and dynamic national security strategies.
