New Delhi, Jan 1 (IANS): Extending his wishes to Gen Bipin Rawat, who took charge as first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the three defence forces under his leadership will collectively work in securing nation and fulfil aspirations of a New India.

Calling the occasion a "momentous and historic day" for India, Shah in a series of tweets, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled yet another long-pending demand and India got its first CDS, citing announcement which Modi made on August 15, 2019, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, saying India will soon have a CDS.

"I am confident that this decision will further strengthen India's resolve to be among the best defence forces in the world," Shah said.

"I congratulate General Bipin Rawat, on taking charge as India's first Chief of Defence Staff. I am sure under his leadership all the three forces will collectively work as a team and leave no stone unturned in securing our nation against all odds."

"The Chief of Defence Staff will not only further Modi government's efforts towards ensuring welfare of personnel of all the three wings of Indian Armed Forces, modernise our military and fulfil the aspirations of a #NewIndia," the Home Minister said.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a series of tweets expressed best wishes to the country's first CDS. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had also extended his best wishes to General Rawat for a successful tenure ahead.

Gen Rawat, who demitted office as army chief on Wednesday, took charge as the CDS early in the day and expressed that his mandate would bring jointness within tri services -- Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.