China expert and adviser to NSA named new CDS

The Centre on Wednesday appointed LtGen Anil Chauhan, a known China expert who retired as the Eastern Army Command chief in May last year, as the country's next chief of defence staff (CDS).

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Chauhan (61), currently the military advisor to national security advisor Ajit Doval and the National Security Council Secretariat, will have to spearhead the process to build an integrated war-fighting machinery within budgetary constraints through the creation of theatre commands and other structures.

The critically needed reforms have largely stalled since India's first CDS Gen Bipin Rawat died in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu on December 8 last year.

WAS DGMO DURING BALAKOT AIR STRIKE

Gen Anil Chauhan, 61, retired as Eastern Command chief in 2021 after a career spanning 40 yrs

Was ‘the most suitable candidate’ for post of CDS, several officers say

NDA and IMA alumni. First retired 3-star officer in India to return to active service as a 4-star officer