The government has created a Department of Military Affairs, to be headed by newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat, according to an official order issued on Tuesday.
The new department will have under it works relating to the three forces—the Indian Army, Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force—and procurement exclusive to the services, except capital acquisitions, according to prevalent rules and procedures.
Rawat was on Monday appointed India's first Chief of Defence Staff, a move that's seen as strengthening India-U.S. defence ties, Press Trust of India reported Tuesday, citing a U.S. official's tweet. He has mandate to bring in convergence in functioning of the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force.
Rawat assumed charge as Chief of Army Staff on Dec. 31, 2016. He was to retire on Tuesday from the service. Before becoming the Army Chief, he handled various operational responsibilities in many areas, including along the Line of Control with Pakistan, the Line of Actual Control with China and in the Northeast.
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