Who is the first (chief of) Defence Staff of the Indian Armed forces?

Key Points 

• The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) post was created in India in December 2019 to ensure better coordination and integration between the three armed forces- the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The CDS is the country's senior-most military officer and is responsible for advising the government on military matters, and overseeing the overall functioning of the armed forces.
• General Bipin Rawat was appointed as the first CDS of India on December 31, 2019. He had earlier served as the Chief of Army Staff from December 2016 to December 2019. As CDS, General Rawat's responsibilities included enhancing the jointness and integration of the three services, facilitating the modernization of the armed forces, and streamlining procurement procedures. He was also responsible for implementing the recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee and other defence reforms.
• General Rawat retired from his post as CDS on December 31, 2021, and was succeeded by General Manoj Mukund Naravane, the Chief of Army Staff, at his appointment. The post of CDS is seen as a crucial step towards modernizing the country's defence establishment and creating a more efficient and effective military force.

Therefore it can be concluded that General Bipin Rawat was the first (chief of) Defence Staff of the Indian Armed forces.