India appoints a retired Lieutenant General as Chief of Defence Staff

Tha Indian government has appointed Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan (retired) as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). The slot was vacant since nine months after the death of General Bipin Rawat in a helicopter crash in December 2021.

Chauhan, 61, retired in May 2021. He commanded Indian Army's Eastern Command. He will also function as Secretary Military Affairs.

Appointment of Chauhan, a retired three star General, came after the Indian government amended rules for the appointment of the post in June 2022. This is first instance in India of a retired officer returning to uniform to serve on a senior post.