US, Maldives Congratulate General Rawat On Being Appointed India’s First Chief Of Defence Staff

The United States on Monday congratulated General Bipin Rawat on his appointment as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). "Congratulations to General Bipin Rawat on his appointment as India's first-ever Chief of Defence Staff. The position will help catalyze greater US-India 'joint' cooperation between our militaries as discussed at recent 2+2, including through joint exercises & info sharing. AGW," tweeted the US Department of State.

US Ambassador to India expressed hope that General Rawat will help intensify defence cooperation between the two countries. “Hearty congratulations to 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 (sic),” Ken Juster wrote on Twitter.

Maldives Foreign Minister, while congratulating General Rawat, said that the Maldives-India Defence Partnership is very strong. "Heartiest congratulations to Gen Bipin Rawat on being appointed as the first Chief of the Defence Staff of India. It was a great honour receiving Gen Rawat in Male'' a few months back. #MaldivesIndiaDefencePartnership is on a very strong footing," Maldives''s Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid said in a tweet.

Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat has now been officially named as India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). General Bipin Rawat’s tenure will start with effect from 31st December until further orders and extension in his service. The announcement has been made months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised that his government would establish the top military post. New Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane will be given an Army Guard of Honour on same day for assuming command of the force.

Earlier, the Cabinet Committee on Security approved the creation of the CDS who will act as the principal military adviser to the defence minister on all matters relating to tri-services. According to existing rules, the service chiefs can serve for a maximum period of three years or till attaining the age of 62, whichever is earlier.