Delhi, 1 October (H.S.): The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) solemnly celebrated its 25th Raising Day on October 1, marking a quarter-century of dedicated service since its inception in 2001. Established as a permanent institution to foster jointness and integration across the Indian Armed Forces, HQ IDS has become the cornerstone of tri-service synergy and a pioneer in emerging defence domains such as cyber and space.
Over the past 25 years, HQ IDS has maintained an upward trajectory, playing a pivotal role in the formation of new joint military structures and advancing integrated theatre-level operational mechanisms. It has been instrumental in developing tri-service capability roadmaps and has collaborated extensively with national research bodies and defence industry partners to accelerate indigenous technological solutions, resonating with the Atmanirbharta vision in defence.
The organisation has provided a critical platform for dialogue between India’s highest military and civilian leadership, hosting the apex-level Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) and facilitating Joint Staff Talks with allied nations.
Furthermore, HQ IDS has shaped multinational defence cooperation frameworks, both bilaterally and multilaterally, strengthening India's strategic partnerships.Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) remains a core mission, with HQ IDS coordinating national disaster response exercises and deployments.
The 2025 Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) Programme further enhanced training and education standards within the forces. Simultaneously, HQ IDS has advanced India's military preparedness in cutting-edge domains such as cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, and space, promoting cross-service integration and fostering innovation through partnerships with scientific institutions.
Looking ahead, HQ IDS has articulated a comprehensive roadmap focused on deepening integration, enhancing joint operational doctrines, institutionalising technologically advanced training frameworks, and expanding India's proactive role in multilateral security engagements.
The celebration underscored the commitment and professionalism of HQ IDS personnel, past and present, who have tirelessly worked to unify planning, force structuring, capability development, and doctrinal evolution—ultimately bolstering the operational effectiveness of the Indian Armed Forces.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
