Gen Anil Chauhan Bids Farewell as CDS, Calls Tenure ‘Highly Satisfying’, Lt Gen Subramani to Succeeds

Bringing the curtains down on a distinguished military career spanning over four decades, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan on Saturday bid farewell to the armed forces, describing his tenure as "very satisfying" while reflecting on years marked by strategic reforms, military coordination and evolving security challenges.

The outgoing CDS was accorded a ceremonial tri services guard of honour in New Delhi, a symbolic farewell to one of the country's most senior military leaders. Speaking after the ceremony, Gen Chauhan expressed gratitude to the armed forces and described the occasion as a proud and emotional moment in his transition from military service to civilian life.

"I had a very satisfying and excellent tenure," he said, thanking the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Integrated Defence Staff for their support during his time in office.

Gen Chauhan assumed charge as India's second Chief of Defence Staff in September 2022, filling a crucial leadership position that had remained vacant since the tragic death of General Bipin Rawat in a helicopter crash in December 2021. His appointment came at a critical juncture as India sought to accelerate military modernisation and deepen coordination among its three armed services.

Throughout his tenure, Gen Chauhan consistently pushed for greater tri services synergy , a key objective behind the creation of the CDS post. He spearheaded efforts to improve operational integration among the Army, Navy and Air Force while advancing plans for the long discussed theaterisation model , which aims to establish integrated military commands capable of responding more effectively to future security challenges.

His tenure also witnessed major developments in India's defence preparedness. Gen Chauhan played an important role in the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor , working closely with the chiefs of the three services to coordinate military efforts.

Before becoming CDS, Gen Chauhan had built an illustrious career in the Indian Army. Commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles in 1981, he served in several key command and staff appointments, including commanding an infantry division in the sensitive Baramulla sector , leading a corps in the Northeast and eventually serving as General Officer Commanding in Chief of the Eastern Command .

Known for his operational expertise, he also served as Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) during the 2019 Balakot air strike , where he was closely associated with planning and operational coordination.

As Gen Chauhan exits the stage, the responsibility of carrying forward the agenda of military integration now passes to Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani (Retd) , who is set to assume office as India's next Chief of Defence Staff on Sunday.

With a career decorated by honours including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal , Uttam Yudh Seva Medal , Ati Vishisht Seva Medal , Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal , Gen Chauhan leaves behind a legacy defined by reform, jointness and a sustained push towards a more integrated and future ready Indian military.