In February, a group of senior ministers approved a series of changes in India's defence hierarchy.
Foremost among the recommendations is the creation of a new post: Chief of Defence Staff.
The CDS, a man in uniform senior to the three service chiefs, will report directly to the prime minister. He will protect his forces from the absolute control of defence ministry bureaucrats.
In a four-part series Special Correspondent Josy Joseph, who met serving and retired defence officials, politicians and bureaucrats, spells out what the CDS will bring to India's defence management.
Part 1: Tank? You have the Bofors, na?
Part 2: The day of the babu
Part 3: Is India ready for a CDS?
Part 4: Step this way, meet the man...
Page design: Dominic Xavier