CDS should be adequately empowered: Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh

The post of Chief of Defence Staff should be adequately empowered to carry out strategically important plans relating to India's security challenges, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh said on Tuesday.

Addressing his annual press conference ahead of the Navy Day, Singh also complimented Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the historic decision to create the post of CDS which will be the single-point military adviser to the government.

"The CDS should be adequately empowered. We have given our inputs to the government on the issue," he said, replying to a question.

In a landmark military reform, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on August 15 announced that India will have the CDS as head of the tri-services with an aim to ensure greater coordination among the Navy, the Army and the Indian Air Force.

Days after the prime minister's announcement, an Implementation Committee headed by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval was appointed to finalise an enabling framework and determine the exact responsibilities for the CDS.

The committee has already submitted its report to the government and it is likely make an announcement within next two weeks to appoint the CDS.

Official sources said the Army, the Navy and the Indian Air Force have already recommended to the defence ministry names of their senior-most commanders for the top position