The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated General Bipin Rawat on taking charge as India’s first Chief of Defence Staff.

“I am delighted that as we begin the new year and new decade, India gets its first Chief of Defence Staff in General Bipin Rawat. I congratulate him and wish him the very best for this responsibility. He is an outstanding officer who has served India with great zeal.

As the first CDS takes charge, I pay homage to all those who have served and laid down their lives for our nation. I recall the valiant personnel who fought in Kargil, after which many discussions on reforming our military began, leading to today’s historic development.

On 15th August 2019, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, I announced that India will have a Chief of Defence Staff. This institution carries tremendous responsibility of modernizing our military forces. It would also reflect the hopes and aspirations of 1.3 billion Indians.

Creation of the Department of Military Affairs with requisite military expertise and institutionalisation of the post of CDS is a momentous and comprehensive reform that will help our country face the ever-changing challenges of modern warfare”, the Prime Minister said.

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Prime Minister condoles the passing of prolific writer, thinker and public intellectual, Shri Balbir Punj
April 19, 2026

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the demise of prolific writer, thinker and public intellectual Shri Balbir Punj.

Shri Modi said that Shri Balbir Punj Ji was a prolific writer, thinker and public intellectual who made a rich contribution to the world of media. His writings were widely read and reflected his strong passion towards national regeneration. He noted that Shri Punj’s Parliamentary interventions were rich in facts and theory.

The Prime Minister wrote on X;

“Shri Balbir Punj Ji was a prolific writer, thinker and public intellectual. He made a rich contribution to the world of media. His writings were widely read, reflecting his strong passion towards national regeneration. His Parliamentary interventions were rich in facts and theory.

Shri Balbir Punj Ji worked tirelessly to strengthen the BJP, especially among students, professionals, scholars and intellectuals. He was in-charge of various states, including Gujarat. Fondly remember our interactions from those times. Pained by his passing. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.”

“बलबीर पुंज जी एक प्रसिद्ध लेखक होने के साथ-साथ प्रखर विचारक और सम्मानित बुद्धिजीवी थे। मीडिया के क्षेत्र में उनका योगदान बहुत सराहनीय रहा है। लोग उनकी लेखनी के कायल थे, जिससे राष्ट्र निर्माण के प्रति उनकी गहरी प्रतिबद्धता परिलक्षित होती थी । उनके संसदीय भाषणों में तथ्यों और मानवीय मूल्यों का भरपूर समावेश रहता था।

बलबीर पुंज जी ने भाजपा को सशक्त बनाने के लिए अथक प्रयास किए। विद्यार्थियों, पेशेवरों, विद्वतजनों और बुद्धिजीवियों को उन्होंने पार्टी से जोड़ने में उल्लेखनीय भूमिका निभाई। वे गुजरात सहित कई राज्यों के प्रभारी रहे। उस दौर में उनसे हुए संवाद मेरे लिए अविस्मरणीय रहेंगे। उनके निधन से अत्यंत दुख हुआ है। शोक की इस घड़ी में उनके परिजनों और मित्रों के प्रति मेरी हार्दिक संवेदनाएं। ओम शांति!”