Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan highlighted the urgent need to adapt financial processes to the rapidly changing nature and character of warfare influenced by geopolitical shifts and technological advancements. This assertion was made during his keynote address at the apex-level conference on enhancing financial cohesion and synergy in the Armed Forces, held today in New Delhi.
In his speech, Gen Anil Chauhan pointed out that the evolving dynamics of warfare have led to non-linear and unpredictable developments, necessitating cohesive and synergistic actions from all stakeholders to safeguard India’s strategic interests. He underscored the importance of joint efforts to ensure National Security, a critical component of Viksit Bharat.
The conference, attended by Vice Chiefs of Service HQs, senior officials from Service HQs, Coast Guard HQ, MoD Acquisition, MoD Finance, CGDA, and all Principal Integrated Financial Advisors, was organized by HQ IDS. The primary focus was on improving the efficiency of defense procurements while adhering to financial principles.
Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (PP&FD), set the tone for the discussions by outlining the complexities of defense procurements. Financial Adviser (Defence Services) Sugata Ghosh Dastidar emphasized reducing foreign dependency and promoting Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) by fostering greater collaboration with academia for research and development in defense.
Throughout the conference, participants shared their perspectives and deliberated on enhancing cohesion and synergy. Service HQs highlighted their respective challenges in public procurement, with discussions centered on methodologies to address these issues. Principal Integrated Financial Advisors (PIFAs) actively engaged in discussions on critical aspects of Capital & Revenue procurements, with MoD Finance offering constructive suggestions and recommendations.
Key outcomes of the conference included the emphasis on an Outcome-Oriented Budget, expeditious procurement processes, and maintaining financial propriety. These recommendations will be forwarded to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for ratification.
