Indian army chief named first Chief of Defence Staff

NEW DELHI: In a sign of increasing military hegemony, Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat has been named the country’s first Chief of Defence Staff.

General Rawat was named to the newly-created post just a day before he was to retire from service after completing his term as the Chief of Army Staff. He become the first officer to hold the post of the Chief of Defence Staff set up just days ago.

The CDS will function as a adivser to the Indian government on matters related to the military and will focus on better cooperation between the millitary wings such as the Indian Army, Air Force and the Navy.

General Bipin Rawat was the front-runner for the post. He will step down from the office of the Chief of Army Staff on Tuesday. Vice Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Manoj Mukund Naravane will replace him.  General Rawat was appointed the Chief of Army Staff on December 31, 2016.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech announced to create the top military post which was formally confirmed on December 24. The Indian government has long desired a single-point military officer to advise the government on all matters related to the military.

The Indian government amended the rules of the army, navy and the air force to allow a Chief of Defence Staff to serve until the age of 65. There is no change among the three services chiefs who will retain the operational command of their respective forces.

The Chief of Defence Staff will head the newly-established Department of Military Affairs within the Indian Ministry of Defence. He will focus on promoting coordination in procurement, training and staffing and facilitation the restructuring of military commands for optimal utilisation of resources.