Army General Bipin Rawat Appointed As India's First Chief Of Defence Staff

Outgoing Army Chief General Bipin Rawat was on Monday appointed India’s first Chief of Defence Staff with a mandate to bring in convergence in functioning of the Army, the Navy and the Indian Air Force and bolster the country’s military prowess.

His appointment to the newly created post came a day before he was due to retire following a three-year tenure as the Army Chief, during which he initiated a series of reforms in the 1.3 million-strong force besides following a policy of “hot pursuit” in dealing with cross border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to a government order, Gen Rawat has been appointed as the CDS with effect from December 31.

“Government has decided to appoint Gen Rawat as the Chief of Defence Staff with effect from December 31 and until further orders and extension in service of Gen Rawat with effect from December 31 and till the period he holds the office of CDS,” the defence ministry said.

Gen Rawat will be able to serve as CDS for a period of up to three years after the government amended the rules extending the age of retirement to 65 years.

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