Joint Orders to Streamline Armed Forces Operations: Rajnath Singh’s Directive

The Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, has authorized the CDS and DMA Secretary to issue unified Joint Instructions and Joint Orders for all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces. This directive, confirmed by the Defence Ministry, signals a major step in the ongoing modernization and transformation of the Armed Forces. Previously, instructions and orders involving multiple services were issued separately by each branch. The inaugural Joint Order, effective June 24, 2025, prioritizes the simplification of processes, the elimination of duplicated efforts, and the enhancement of collaboration across the Services. The Ministry believes this will lead to improved transparency, coordination, and administrative efficiency, thereby fostering a new age of integration within the Armed Forces. Concurrently, Rajnath Singh will head an Indian delegation at the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China, from June 25-26, 2025. The meeting will address key issues such as regional and global peace and security, counter-terrorism strategies, and collaborative efforts among SCO member states’ defense ministries. India is expected to reaffirm its dedication to SCO principles, articulate its vision for international peace and security, encourage concerted action to combat terrorism and extremism, and underscore the importance of expanding trade, economic partnerships, and connectivity within the SCO region.