Gen Chauhan, who spearheaded tri-services integration & played key role in Op Sindoor, wraps up 'very satisfying' tenure as CDS

NEW DELHI: “I had a very satisfying and excellent tenure,” the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan said on Saturday as he wrapped up a three-year-and-eight-month stint at the top military post, during which he focused on bringing synergy among the three services. Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani (Retd) will take charge as India's next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on Sunday.

Gen Chauhan, a former Eastern Army Commander, took charge as the country's senior-most military commander in Sept 2022, over nine months after the first CDS General Bipin Rawat died in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.

As Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Chauhan spearheaded tri-services integration, advancing the theaterisation model of command structures, releasing the Joint Air Defence Doctrine, and overseeing joint strategic missions like Operation Sindoor. He played a key role in planning and implementation of Op Sindoor along with the three service chiefs.

As Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) within the defence ministry, he managed civil-military integration and oversaw the optimal utilisation of military infrastructure.

While pushing for modernisation in the armed forces, Gen Chauhan emphasized a shift toward 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.

“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 (Integrated Defence Staff) 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. After the wreath laying, I was welcomed by friends, relatives and well-wishers. This is symbolic of my transition from uniform to civilian life," CDS Gen Anil Chauhan said.

Born on May 18, 1961, Gen Chauhan was commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army in 1981. He was the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) when Indian fighter jets pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan's Balakot in Feb 2019. He was known to have provided key inputs for the operation. In the rank of Maj General, the officer had commanded an Infantry Division in the critical Baramulla sector in the Northern Command. Later, he commanded a corps in the Northeast and subsequently went on to become the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command.

Gen Chauhan's tenure was to end on Sept 30 last year, but he was given an extension. He had retired from service in May 2021 in the rank of lieutenant general, but assumed the rank of a four-star General after taking charge as India's second Chief of Defence Staff.

General Chauhan served the nation for over 40 years and held several key command and staff appointments during his illustrious military career. He has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.