Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) celebrated its Raising Day on Wednesday, marking the commencement of its twenty-fifth year of service since its establishment on October 1, 2001.
Conceived as a permanent institution to promote jointness and integration among the Armed Forces, HQ IDS has emerged as a central hub of tri-service synergy and a vanguard in new domains such as cyber and space. The organisation has played a key role in shaping India’s integrated military preparedness.
Over the years, HQ IDS has supported the creation of new joint military structures and contributed to initiatives aimed at establishing integrated theatre-level mechanisms. In capability development, it has facilitated tri-service roadmaps and actively collaborated with national research organisations and industry partners to accelerate indigenous solutions, aligning with India’s vision of Atmanirbharta in defence.
HQ IDS also provides a platform for the highest military and civilian leadership. It has been instrumental in conducting the Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) and coordinating Joint Staff Talks with friendly nations, contributing to multinational defence cooperation frameworks at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) remains a priority, with HQ IDS supporting national disaster response through coordinated exercises and deployments. The Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) Programme has further strengthened training and education in 2025. Simultaneously, the organisation has advanced India’s preparedness in emerging domains such as cyber, artificial intelligence, and space by promoting cross-service integration, facilitating dialogue with scientific institutions, and driving adoption of new technologies for military applications.
Looking ahead, HQ IDS has outlined a roadmap to deepen integration further, with an emphasis on enhancing joint operational doctrines, institutionalising training frameworks that combine advanced technology with strategic foresight, and expanding India’s role in multilateral security cooperation.