Defence Ministry confirms govt nod for creation of senior posts in Indian

New Delhi: Reports reveal the Defence Ministry has confirmed the government’s crucial decision for the creation of two new posts in the Indian Army. Accordingly, the position of Deputy Chief of Army Staff (DCOAS) has been created for military operations and strategic planning. Simultaneously, the Defence Ministry has decided to make another post for handling information warfare. The decision is being looked upon as the first step towards necessary military reforms to keep up with the changing times.

Sources have claimed the Defence Ministry made the decision after it felt the need for the creation of another post – Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy). The demand has been put forth for a long time. The new Deputy chief will head critical military operations and oversee its planning and required equipment as even supply of other essentials and military intelligence. According to sources, current Director-General of Military Operations (DGMO) Paramjit Singh would be appointed as the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy).

Considering the particular significance hybrid warfare or in fact, information warfare holds in current times, a separate post has been created for it. India’s neighbours, China and Pakistan, are engaging in aggression against the country. Especially, after India revoked Article 370 that awarded special status to Kashmir, as even the Doklam and Galwan standoff with China, a strong need for presenting the country’s stance more aggressively was felt in the information wars.

A few former military officials have taken the lead and are replying to disinformation against India on media and social media. However, they believe the Army needs to address information warfare officially and lay particular focus on it. The officials have also expressed resentment over China and Pakistan being way ahead of India in this area. Given the backdrop, the importance assigned to the creation of the new post, to handle information warfare, by the Defence Ministry has increased dramatically.