Bipin Rawat Appointed as First-ever Chief of Defence Staff of India

Guwahati, December 31, 2019:

Retiring Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat appointed as the first officer as the Chief of Defence Staff in India. The CDS will function as a single-point advisor to the government on matters related to the military.

General Bipin Rawat will focus on the better synergy between the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.

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The defence ministry had recently amended the army, air force and navy rules by bringing in a new clause that allows the Chief of Defence Staff to serve up to a maximum age of 65 years.

The landmark decision was approved by the Union Cabinet to create the post of Chief of Defence Staff in the rank of a four-star General with salary and perquisites equivalent to a Service Chief. The CDS will also head the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), to be created within the Ministry of Defence and function as its Secretary.

Post his appointment as the CDS, social media has poured in congratulating messages for General Rawat.

India Air Force’s official Twitter handle quoted, “Indian Air Force congratulates Chief of the Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat PVSM UYSM AVSM YSM SM VSM ADC, on being appointed the first Chief of Defence Staff of India. #CDS #ChiefOfDefenceStaff #IndianArmy”

The official Twitter handle of the Indian Army tweeted, “My solemn gratitude to all ranks, soldiers who have laid down their lives in the line of duty, Veer Mata, Veer Nari & veterans. My compliments to soldiers on Northern, Western and Eastern front braving the icy cold winters". -General Bipin Rawat-- #COAS-- At Guard of Honour-- 31 Dec 19”

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US Ambassador to India, Ken Juster tweeted, “Hearty congratulations to @adgpi General Bipin Rawat on being named India’s first Chief of Defence Staff. Looking forward to more productive discussions on ways to advance the #USIndiaDefense partnership. #OneTeamOneMission”

It is to be mentioned here that the CDS, apart from being the head of the Department of Military Affairs, will also be the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. He will act as the Principal Military Adviser to Defence Minister on all tri-Services matters.

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