New Delhi

The Centre has provided 'Z' category armed security cover of Delhi Police to the newly elected Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued the order to the Delhi Police days after Chauhan took charge as India's new Chief of Defence Staff, more than nine months after the death of General Bipin Rawat, the country's first CDS.

General Chauhan took charge as India's second CDS on last Friday.

Nearly 33 armed Delhi Police personnel will guard Chauhan at his residence as well as during travel.

He is also the Principal Military Advisor to the Defence Minister on all tri-Service matters as well as head of the Department of Military Affairs as Secretary.

The CDS is also the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC).

While taking charge, General Chauhan had said he was proud to be assuming the responsibility of the highest rank in the Indian armed forces.

For the first time, a three-star officer has been brought back from retirement to hold a four-star rank.

In a career spanning nearly 40 years, General Chauhan held several command, staff and instrumental appointments and had extensive experience in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and northeast India.

General Chauhan has the mandate to implement the ambitious theatreisation plan that seeks to ensure tri-services synergy and prepare the military for future security challenges by rolling out integrated military commands.

The CDS is the senior-most uniformed officer in rank.

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The only four-star officers in the country are the CDS, the chiefs of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.