New Delhi

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan bid farewell to military service on Saturday, describing his nearly four-year tenure as one of the most fulfilling phases of his career. His successor, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani (Retd), is set to assume office as India's next CDS on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters after receiving a ceremonial tri-services guard of honour, Gen Chauhan reflected positively on his time in office, saying he was satisfied with the work accomplished during his tenure.

Gen Chauhan assumed the role of CDS in September 2022, becoming India's second officer to hold the post after the death of the country's first CDS, General Bipin Rawat, in a helicopter crash in December 2021. During his tenure, he focused extensively on enhancing coordination and jointness among the Army, Navy and Air Force to strengthen India's overall military preparedness.

He was also closely associated with the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor, working alongside the chiefs of the three armed services. One of his major priorities was advancing military reforms, including efforts aimed at creating integrated theatre commands to improve operational efficiency and inter-service cooperation.

Expressing gratitude at the farewell ceremony, Gen Chauhan said it was a privilege to retire with a tri-services guard of honour. He thanked the armed forces and the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff for the recognition and described the occasion as an emotional transition from military to civilian life.

Earlier in the day, he paid tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial, calling it his final act in uniform. He said the gesture symbolised his respect for personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.

Although his original term was due to conclude in September 2025, the government granted him an extension. Before becoming CDS, Gen Chauhan had retired from active military service in May 2021 as a Lieutenant General. Upon his appointment as CDS, he was elevated to the rank of four-star General.

Throughout his distinguished military career, Gen Chauhan held several key command and staff appointments. He served as Director General of Military Operations during the 2019 Balakot air strikes, an operation carried out against a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist facility in Pakistan. He was widely regarded as having played an important role in planning the mission.

Commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles in 1981, Gen Chauhan accumulated extensive experience in counter-insurgency operations across Jammu and Kashmir and the northeastern region. He commanded an infantry division in the strategically important Baramulla sector and later led a corps in the Northeast before taking charge as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla and the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, Gen Chauhan's service has been recognised with several prestigious awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.

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His tenure as CDS is likely to be remembered for pushing greater integration among the armed forces and laying the groundwork for future military reforms aimed at strengthening India's defence capabilities.