NEW DELHI: Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan (Retired) on Wednesday was named India’s new Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), the premier military body that aims to bring convergence in the operations of ArmyNavy and Air Force and strengthen the overall military strength of the country.
The appointment came more than nine months after the position was vacated following the death of Gene Bipin Rawat.
In a career spanning more than 40 years, Lt Gen Anil Chauhan held a number of command, staff and tool appointments and gained extensive experience in counterinsurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir and northeastern India.
Here are the main things to know about General Anil Chauhan (retd):
The appointment came more than nine months after the position was vacated following the death of Gene Bipin Rawat.
In a career spanning more than 40 years, Lt Gen Anil Chauhan held a number of command, staff and tool appointments and gained extensive experience in counterinsurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir and northeastern India.
Here are the main things to know about General Anil Chauhan (retd):
- Born on 18 May 1961, Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan (retd) was commissioned into 11 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army in 1981.
- He studied at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kolkata and credits the city for shaping him as a soldier,
- He is an alumnus of National Defense Academy, Khadakwasla and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.
- With the rank of Major General, this officer commanded an Infantry Division in the important area of Baramula in the Northern Command.
- Then Lieutenant General, he commanded a corps in the northeast and then became Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Command from September 2019 and held that post until his resignation in May 2021.
- In addition to these commanding appointments, he also hired important staff appointments including in charge of the Director General of Military Operations.
- Lieutenant General Chauhan (retd) also served as the UN mission in Angola.
- He was appointed to retire from the Indian Army on 31 May 2021.
- Even after his discharge, he continued to contribute to strategic and national security issues.
- For his outstanding and illustrious service in the Army, Lieutenant General Chauhan (retd) was awarded the Param Vishisht
Medal of Seva Order of Uttam Yudh Seva, Order of Ati Vishisht Seva, Order of Sena and Order of Vishisht Seva.
