General Bipin Rawat, who is set to take over asIndia's first Chief of Defence Staff on Tuesday has said that he would plan hisstrategy for the new role after assuming the position.
General Rawat will take over as the Chief of DefenceStaff the same day he demitted office as the Army chief, in a move announced byPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day.
Rawat, while talking to media after paying tribute at the National War Memorial in Delhi said, "The position Chief of Army Staff has many responsibilities. 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. I will fulfill my role as Chief of Army Staff till the handover."
As the Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat wouldbe in direct contact with the Prime Minister on security issues and the chiefsof the Army, Navy and the Air Force would report to him. He would head theDepartment of Military Affairs and paid a salary equivalent to a service chief.
Rawat would be expected to integrate the operationsof the armed forces in his new role and trim the weapons procurementprocedures.
The United States and Maldives were among the firstcountries that congratulated Rawat on his appointment.
