Bipin Rawat’s death: Center in no hurry to name new CDS, says top government source

The successor to India’s first Chief of Defense Staff General Bipin Rawat is yet to be announced, a month after he was killed in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu. A top government source told CNN-News18 that the process had begun, but it would take time. “We are in no hurry. Things have gotten so busy that there is no time to consider a name,” said the source.

Asked how long it might take to finalize Gen Rawat’s successor, the source did not specify a specific time frame, but said, “Ultimately, it is the PM and Raksha Mantri (Defence Minister) who will be named the next CDS.” will approve. ,

There was much speculation in the military circles that a retired officer might be selected. However, the source ruled out the possibility, saying, “Right now the rules allow for only one serving officer.”

Media reports have suggested that Army Chief General MM Naravane is the frontrunner for the post as he is currently the senior-most officer in the Indian Armed Forces. He has also taken over the responsibility of the powerful Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) after the death of General Rawat. The COSC consists of three service chiefs and the CDS is its permanent chairman. General Naravane, who took over as the Chief of Army Staff from General Rawat on December 31, 2019, will retire in April 2022.