CDS crucial for coordination among the three services: Naik

The post of chief of defence staff (CDS) will be crucial for better coordination among the three services, said Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik on Monday.

He added that the post should be functional "within the next few months".

During his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the creation of a chief of defence staff (CDS) as head of the tri-services.

Modi had said that the CDS will ensure synergy among the three services and provide effective leadership to them.

"The role of Chief of Defence Staff is crucial to coordinate between Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force," Naik told PTI here on Monday.

"This is a welcome decision which was much awaited. I am happy Prime Minister Narendra Modi has finally announced to establish this position," Naik said.

"Now, when the announcement has been made by the Prime Minister, it is expected that the CDS would be in place within few months," Naik added.

Naik said attempts were made to have this post even during the prime ministerial tenure of late Atal Bihari Vajpayee but it could not be brought about.