New Delhi: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated General Bipin Rawat on taking charge as India’s first Chief of Defence Staff.
“I am delighted that as we begin the new year and new decade, India gets its first Chief of Defence Staff in General Bipin Rawat. I congratulate him and wish him the very best for this responsibility. He is an outstanding officer who has served India with great zeal.
"As the first CDS takes charge, I pay homage to all those who have served and laid down their lives for our nation. I recall the valiant personnel who fought in Kargil, after which many discussions on reforming our military began, leading to today’s historic development," the PM said.
On 15 August 2019, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, PM Modi had announced that India will have a Chief of Defence Staff. This institution carries tremendous responsibility of modernizing our military forces. He hoped it would also reflect the hopes and aspirations of 1.3 billion Indians.
"Creation of the Department of Military Affairs with requisite military expertise and institutionalisation of the post of CDS is a momentous and comprehensive reform that will help our country face the ever-changing challenges of modern warfare," the Prime Minister said.