NEW DELHI, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat Wednesday assumed office, officials said.
The new appointment was made by the government of India with an aim to integrate country's military forces -- army, navy and airforce -- and coordinate the procurement plans of the three services.
"The CDS has a task cut out to make all three services work in a cohesive manner. We will work as team," Rawat said after taking charge.
"As team, we will work towards a goal where 1+1+1 is either five or seven, and not three," he said, stressing the need for integration.
The appointment of Rawat, whose term as Indian army chief ended on Dec. 31, 2019, has come under severe criticism from India's main opposition Congress party.
"We keep ourselves away from politics. We act according to the directives of the government of the day," he said.
In his new position, Rawat will be the principal military adviser to the defence minister on all matters related to three military services.
Ahead of taking charge of the new office, Rawat received the ceremonial guard of honor.
