New Delhi: Outgoing Army chief General Bipin Rawat, who is also known as a counter-insurgency expert is all set to take over as India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) today, December 31.
General Rawat has said that he would assume the position and then plan his strategy.
“Till now, I concentrated on obligations as Chief of Army Staff. The new position had many responsibilities and hence I will plan my strategy for future,” he told told reporters this morning after paying tribute at the National War Memorial in Delhi.
General Rawat will take over as the Chief of Defence Staff today, the same day he demits office as the Army chief.
Earlier, Indian Army presented a Guard of Honour to their outgoing chief General Bipin Rawat.
After three successful years as Indian Army chief, he will hand over the charge to the General M.M. Naravane to lead the Indian Army. Government had appointed General Naravane as next India Army chief.
On Monday late night, the Central government announced that General Rawat has been appointed as CDS.
Rawat was commissioned into the 5th battalion of 11 Gorkha Rifles on 16 December 1978 and was serving as Chief of Army Staff since January 1, 2017.
On Sunday, the Ministry of Defence amended Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force rules. As per the amended rules, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) or tri-service chief will be able to serve till the age of 65. As per existing government rules, the three service chiefs can serve up to the age of 62 or for three years, whichever is earlier.
Union Cabinet on December 24 approved the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) post and its charter and duties. The CDS will be a 4-star general who will head the new Department of Military Affairs.
