The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) has completed 25 years of service. It celebrated its 25th Raising Day with pride. This day marks a journey of teamwork, unity, and service to the nation.

What is HQ IDS?

HQ IDS was formed in 2001. Its goal was to bring the Army, Navy, and Air Force together. Before this, each service mostly worked alone. There was less coordination.

With HQ IDS, the three services started planning and working jointly. It became the link between the armed forces and the Ministry of Defence. Today, it also deals with new areas like space, cyber, and electronic warfare.

Why is Raising Day Important?

Raising Day is like a birthday. It reminds us when the organisation was created. For HQ IDS, this day recalls the start of a new way of defence planning in India.

The 25th Raising Day is special. It is the silver jubilee. It honours the past, salutes the present, and looks forward to the future.

The Role of HQ IDS

The IDS plays many roles:

• It plans joint operations of Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• It helps the government in defence policy.
• It supports modernisation and buying of new weapons.
• It takes part in rescue and relief during disasters.
• It builds defence ties with other nations.

These duties make IDS the centre of joint defence in India.

25 Years of Progress

The journey of 25 years was not easy. In the beginning, there were challenges. Each service had its own system. Slowly, IDS built a culture of unity.

Major steps include:

• Starting the Defence Space Agency and Cyber Agency.
• Leading joint military exercises with other countries.
• Helping in relief work during the 2004 tsunami and Nepal earthquake in 2015.
• Supporting reforms in buying modern weapons.

Silver Jubilee Celebrations

The 25th Raising Day was celebrated with respect and pride. The events included:

• Wreath-laying to honour martyrs.
• Guard of Honour and parade.
• Talks on future warfare and cyber defence.
• Honouring veterans and serving officers.
• Cultural programmes to show unity and tradition.

Leaders from all three services attended the ceremony.

Importance for the Armed Forces

The 25th Raising Day teaches a key lesson. No service can win wars alone today. Modern wars use land, sea, air, space, and cyber.

IDS ensures teamwork. It prepares India’s military to act fast and united. From border tensions to natural disasters, IDS gives strength to the nation’s response.

Words from Leaders

Senior officers praised the journey of IDS. They said the next 25 years will bring new challenges.

They spoke about cyber threats, artificial intelligence, and autonomous weapons. They also stressed Atmanirbhar Bharat—the need to use more Indian-made defence technology.

The Road Ahead

HQ IDS has a clear vision for the future:

• Use new technology like drones and AI.
• Build theatre commands for stronger joint operations.
• Work with more friendly nations in defence.
• Improve disaster-response systems.

The focus is on making India’s defence modern, united, and re