General Bipin Rawat retired on the 31st of December as the Army Chief and took over as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS.) Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Manoj Mukund Naravane took over as the new Army Chief on the same day.
General Bipin Rawat paid tribute at the National War Memorial in Delhi before taking over as the CDS. During the farewell Guard of Honour, General Bipin Rawat said, “I express my gratitude to all soldiers who have stood steadfast under challenging circumstances, performing their duties, keeping the traditions of our armed forces. My special compliment to our soldiers on northern, western and eastern borders who are braving tough winter and icy winds, steadfastly in guarding our Country.”
General Bipin Rawat expressed his happiness about taking over his new post as an advisor to the Defence Ministry of India. General Rawat said, “The position chief of Army staff has many responsibilities.” He further added, “Till now, I was concentrating on my obligations as chief of Army staff. Now that I will have a new designation, I will sit and plan a strategy for the future.”
General Rawat would serve as the CDS till 2023 as the retirement age of the CDS post is 65 and General Rawat is currently 61 years old.
General Bipin Rawat would be the central point of contact for the Indian Armed Forces and the military advisor to the Government of India. On the other hand, Lt Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane would serve as the 28th Chief of Army Staff.
Stay tuned for further updates.
