Who is Supreme Commander of Defense force of the Union?

The correct answer is President.

Key Points

• The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces of the Union according to Article 53(2) of the Indian Constitution.
• In this role, the President exercises supreme command over the Army, Navy, and Air Force of India.
• All important decisions regarding the defense forces are taken in the name of the President.
• The President's authority is exercised according to the advice of the Defence Minister and the Cabinet.

Additional Information

• Defence Minister:
  • The Defence Minister is responsible for the formulation of policies relating to defense and security of India.
  • Currently, the Defence Minister of India is Rajnath Singh (as of October 2023).
• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS):
  • The CDS is a senior military officer who acts as the principal military advisor to the Defence Minister and coordinates among the three services.
  • General Bipin Rawat was the first CDS of India.
• Role of the Armed Forces:
  • The primary role of the armed forces is to safeguard the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
  • They also assist in disaster relief and humanitarian missions.
• Constitutional Provisions:
  • Article 53(2) of the Indian Constitution states that the supreme command of the defence forces shall be vested in the President.
  • Article 74 requires the President to act in accordance with the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.