Centre Extends Tenure of CDS General Anil Chauhan Till May 2026
The Cabinet Appointments Committee (ACC) has, on 24 September 2025, approved the continuation in service of General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who shall also continue to serve as Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Military Affairs (DMA). His period of extension has been given until 30 May 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
General Anil Chauhan was inducted as India's second CDS on 28 September 2022, after the position was established in 2020 to improve the three Services and streamline defence planning. As CDS, he has a central role to play in giving shape to the integration of the Armed Forces, imparting jointness in operations, capability development, and military modernisation.
Commissioned into the Indian Army in 1981, General Chauhan has held a number of crucial command and staff assignments throughout his illustrious career of more than forty years. He has commanded units in difficult operational areas, served in important postings at Army Headquarters, and made valuable contributions to India's defence readiness.
For his remarkable service, leadership, and commitment to the country, General Chauhan has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Sena Medal (SM), and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
His extension is widely regarded as an attempt to ensure continuity and stability in higher defence management when India is prioritising joint theatre commands, domestic defence production, and increasing operational readiness to address emerging security imperatives.
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