Several questions remain, however, over General Rawat's role and functions
Gen Rawat, who took charge as CDS, said the synergised effort of the services should not be the sum of the whole, but much more than that
In a series of tweets, Shah also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has fulfilled yet another long-pending demand with India getting its first CDS.
Gen Rawat also said that his focus as CDS will be to integrate the efforts of the three services and to work as a team.
Business Standard brings you top events that are lined up for Wednesday
General Rawat's appointment was announced by the Defence Ministry last night after it was cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Gen Rawat will be able to serve as CDS for a period of up to three years after the government amended the rules extending the age of retirement to 65 years
Gen Rawat had assumed charge as the 27th Chief of Army Staff on December 31, 2016 and retired from the post after a distinguished career. On Monday, he was appointed India's first CDS
The new department will have under it works relating to the three forces -- Army, Navy and Air Force
The outgoing Army chief thanked all the army personnel and their families for extending full support to him in his three year tenure
Manish Tewari wondered if the CDS as Permanent Chairperson of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee outrank the three service Chiefs
Gen Rawat also hoped that the Army will rise to greater heights under the new chief Lt Gen M M Naravane
To serve six years as four-star general; opportunity for defence reform
Gen Rawat is retiring on Tuesday as Army Chief after a three-year stint. He is widely expected to be appointed as the country's first Chief of Defence Staff
After Rawat's remarks triggered a storm, Army had issued a clarification, saying the Army Chief has not referred to the CAA
Attacking Rawat over his remarks, Yechury said, "This is politicisation happening (in) armed forces. A dangerous trend.. If it continues, ours will also deteriorate, like the role of Army in Pakistan
Opposition has accused Rawat of violating both regulations and tradition, as the army's basic rulebook disallows army personnel from commenting on a political question without govt sanction
The opposition parties, including the Congress, attacked Gen Rawat, who is due to retire on December 31 as Army Chief, for making remarks on political issues
Leaders emerge from crowds but are not those who lead people in "inappropriate directions", added the Army chief while addressing a gathering at a health summit here
Leaders emerge from crowds but are not those who lead people in "inappropriate directions", added the Army chief