Defence Intelligence Agency is a tri-services organisation drawing expertise from the Army, Air Force and the Navy.
One of the most critical operational positions in the Indian Army - the Director General of Military Operations or DGMO - has been vacant for around 24 hours now. The last DGMO, Lieutenant General PR Kumar, retired on Wednesday.
"I cannot recall the position being kept vacant ever," a former holder of the position told NDTV. Each time, a successor is chosen days ahead.
Sources in the Army Headquarters indicted that the post is not likely to be filled soon.
The DGMO is a senior commander tasked to plan, supervise and control operations across India including Jammu and Kashmir, North East, the India-Pakistan and India-China borders.
Besides, the DGMO also advises the government on operational issues both during peace and war.
Five other positions are vacant too -- the Director General of Defence Intelligence Agency, Director General of Rastriya Rifles, Director General of Mechanized Forces, Director General of Military Engineering Services and the crucial post of Military Secretary.
The Defence Intelligence Agency is a tri-services organisation drawing expertise from the Army, Air Force and the Navy. Its task is to collect, collate and analyse intelligence concerning the military. It also advises the National Security Council.
Its last DG, Lieutenant General Anil Bhalla, retired a month ago. There has been no replacement.
The Directorate General of Rashtriya Rifles oversees logistics and overall management of RR battalions deployed in counter-insurgency operations. Over 60 battalions of the RR is deployed in Jammu and Kashmir alone.
The commander of the Mechanized Forces deals with logistics, procurement and overall management of about around 60 Tank regiments and 40 Mechanized Infantry Units. The Military Engineering Service services all three forces.
The Military Secretary deals with all the transfer and promotions and is one of Principal Staff officer to the Chief of Army staff.
The government, however, played down the gaps. A senior official of the defence ministry said, "There is no reason for alarm, issues in each area are being addressed satisfactorily."