Outgoing Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan described his tenure as "very satisfying and excellent" on Saturday as he concluded a three-year-and-eight-month stint at the top military post. During his time in office, he focused on fostering synergy among the three armed services.
Transition of Leadership
Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani (Retd) is set to take charge as India's next Chief of Defence Staff on Sunday. Gen Chauhan, a former Eastern Army Commander, assumed the role of the country's senior-most military commander in September 2022, more than nine months after the first CDS, General Bipin Rawat, died in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.
Key Achievements
As CDS, Gen Chauhan spearheaded tri-services integration, advancing the theaterisation model of command structures. He released the Joint Air Defence Doctrine and oversaw joint strategic missions like Operation Sindoor. He played a pivotal role in planning and implementing Operation Sindoor alongside the three service chiefs. As Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) within the defence ministry, he managed civil-military integration and ensured optimal utilisation of military infrastructure.
Gen Chauhan pushed for modernisation with an emphasis on indigenisation, championing the “JAI” guiding principle: Jointness, Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), and Innovation. He drove strategic HR reforms to build a more agile, adaptive, and future-ready military force.
Farewell Remarks
"It's a matter of great honour for me to superannuate with a tri-services guard of honour. I thank the three services and Headquarters IDS for it. With the conclusion of the guard of honour, I bid farewell to my colleagues in uniform, comrades in arms. I just laid the wreath at the War Memorial for the last time in uniform, as a humble tribute to those who laid down their lives in the line of duty," Gen Chauhan said.
He added, "After the wreath laying, I was welcomed by friends, relatives and well-wishers. This is symbolic of my transition from uniform to civilian life."
Military Career
Born on May 18, 1961, Gen Chauhan was commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army in 1981. He served as Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) during the February 2019 Balakot airstrike, providing key inputs for the operation. As a Major General, he commanded an Infantry Division in the critical Baramulla sector in the Northern Command. Later, he commanded a corps in the Northeast and became the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command.
His tenure was originally set to end on September 30 last year but was extended. He had retired from service in May 2021 as a Lieutenant General but assumed the rank of a four-star General upon becoming India's second Chief of Defence Staff.
General Chauhan served the nation for over 40 years, holding several key command and staff appointments. His awards include the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.
