The Chief of Defence Staff heads the Department of Military Affairs but exercises no military command over the three Service Chiefs

Background

The Union Cabinet approved the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in the rank of a four-star General on 24 December 2019.
The CDS heads the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), created within the Ministry of Defence, and functions as its Secretary.
The CDS is also the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Principal Military Adviser to the Raksha Mantri on all tri-Services matters.
The CDS does not exercise any military command, including over the three Service Chiefs, so that impartial advice can be given to the political leadership.
The DMA's mandate includes promoting jointness and facilitating the restructuring of Military Commands, including through the establishment of joint or theatre commands.