'Army Will Reach Greater Heights Under MM Naravane': Gen Bipin Rawat On His Farewell

According to government report, Rawat has been appointed as CDS with effect from Tuesday itself and will be holding the post till 65 years of age, which for him is March 31, 2023.

General Rawat was appointed as country's first Chief of Defence Staff by the government of India.. (Image: Twitter/@adgpi)

New Delhi: Outgoing Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday extended gratitude and good wishes to all the army personnel and their kin for their full support during his three year tenure at the helm of the 1.3 million force. Indian Army presented a Guard of Honour to their outgoing chief, who later in the day will take over as India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). After resuming charges, will work as the principal military adviser to the Defence Minister and head of the new Department of Military Affairs. Speaking to reporters after a farewell Guard of Honour, General Rawat said, “Today as I demit the office of Chief of Army staff, I wish to convey my gratitude to the soldiers, rank and file of Indian Army who have stood steadfast under challenging circumstances.” General Rawat also exuded confidence that the Army will continue to rise to greater heights under the new Army chief Lt Gen M M Naravane. "I wish to convey my best wishes to General Manoj Naravane who will be assuming the office as the 28th Army chief, for a successful innings."

"My solemn gratitude to all ranks, soldiers who have laid down their lives in line of duty, Veer Mata, Veer Nari & veterans. My compliments to soldiers on Northern, Western and Eastern front braving the icy cold winters".

-General Bipin Rawat#COAS At Guard of Honour 31 Dec 19 pic.twitter.com/KmWoGmJh90 — ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) December 31, 2019

When being asked whether Indian Army is better prepared to take on the challenges at Pakistan and China border, Rawat said, "Yes, they are better prepared." Taking about his new role as country's first CDS, General Rawat said he would chalk out his strategy soon after taking over the post. "I have just retired today. The position Chief of Army Staff has many responsibilities. Till now, I was concentrating on my role as Chief of Army Staff. I will plan a strategy for my new profile after I take over," he told reporters at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. WATCH |Gen Bipin Rawat's Message To His Successor MM Naravane In Last PC As Army Chief On Monday, General Rawat was appointed as country's first Chief of Defence Staff by the government of India. The appointed of India's first CDS was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech, earlier this year. According to government report, Rawat has been appointed as CDS with effect from Tuesday itself and will be holding the post till 65 years of age, which for him is March 31, 2023. As CDS, General Rawat will be the highest defence officer of the country and will be a single point of contact between the Army and government. He would be in direct contact with the Prime Minister on security issues and the chiefs of the Army, Navy and the Air Force would report to him. The CDS will have all the powers like other secretaries, including financial. Rawat is already working as the Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee. In his new role, Rawat would work towards integrating the operations of the armed forces and trim the weapons procurement procedures. In his Independence Day speech this year, PM Modi had announced that India will have the CDS. The Union Cabinet had, on December 24, approved the post of the CDS and its charter and duties. The CDS will be a 4-star general rank officer. (With inputs from agencies)