Who is Lt General Anil Chauhan, the new chief of defence staff

The Centre, on Wednesday, appointed Lt-General Anil Chauhan (Retd) as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

Lt Gen Chauhan, who was the Eastern Army Command chief before retiring in 2021, succeeds General Bipin Rawat who was killed in a helicopter crash nine months ago.

He will also function as secretary to the government of India, department of military affairs with effect from the date of his assumption of charge and until further orders, a government statement said.

In a career spanning nearly four decades, Lt Gen Chauhan held several command, staff and instrumental appointments. He also had extensive experience in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir and Northeast.

Born on May 18, 1961, Lt Gen Anil Chauhan was commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army in 1981. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.

In the rank of Maj General, the officer had commanded an Infantry Division in the critical Baramula sector in the Northern Command.

Later, as Lt General, he commanded a corps in the North East and went to become the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command from September 2019 till he retired in May 2021.

He had also served on a United Nations mission to Angola.

Lt Gen Chauhan, superannuated from the Indian Army on 31 May 2021.

Lt General Chauhan (Retired) is the recepient of Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.