Government Extends Tenure Of CDS General Anil Chauhan Till May 2026

“The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has, on 24th September 2025, approved the extension of service of General Anil Chauhan as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who shall also function as Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Military Affairs, up to 30th May 2026, or until further orders,” a statement by the Ministry of Defence said. 

The Need For Extension

The extension of tenure comes just months after Indian security forces conducted precision strikes against Pakistan under the ongoing Operation Sindoor.

General Chauhan, had assumed office as the country’s second CDS on September 30, 2022 and his current tenure was set to be completed by the end of this month. The extension would also provide stability at the helm of armed forces at a time where significant reforms are underway. 

General Chauhan was commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles in 1981 and has served as the Military Advisor to National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. 

His appointment as CDS came in the wake of the tragic death of his predecessor, General Bipin Rawat, in a helicopter crash in December 2021.

Tenure Of CDS

The CDS can serve until the age of 65 years. This is unlike the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, who retire at the age of 62 years or after a three-year term. 

General Chauhan will attain the age of 65 years in May next year.

The CDS is responsible for overseeing the creation and implementation of Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs), a long-awaited military restructuring aimed at improving coordination among the three services. 

The continuation of Gen Chauhan’s leadership is expected to provide the strategic continuity needed to transformative changes in India’s defence structure.