PM Modi congratulates Gen Rawat over CDS appointment, calls it a 'momentous reform'

The creation of the Department of Military Affairs and institutionalisation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff are momentous reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday.

Congratulating General Bipin Rawat for his appointment as the country's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Modi said he is an outstanding officer who has served India with great zeal.

Modi also reminded how he had announced that "India will have a Chief of Defence Staff" on Independence Day.

"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 tweeted.

The Department of Military Affairs incidentally is a newly created department that will be headed by General Rawat, according to an official order issued on Tuesday.

The new department will have under it works relating to the three forces -- Army, Navy and Air Force -- and procurement exclusive to the services, except capital acquisitions, according to prevalent rules and procedures, it said.