General Anil Chauhan, India's Second CDS, Begins New Role as Head of Vivekananda International Foundation

New Delhi, 6 October 2026: General Anil Chauhan, who retired as India's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) earlier this year, has taken up a new responsibility. On 5 October 2026, he assumed charge as Director of the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), a well-known think tank based in New Delhi. He takes over from Dr Arvind Gupta. The foundation shared the news of the change through its social media channels.

The Appointment at a Glance

From the Uniform to a Think Tank

General Anil Chauhan stepped down as CDS on 30 May 2026 after serving in the post for more than three years. A little over four months later, he has moved to a role where his long experience in military planning and national security can be used for research and policy discussion.

For a senior military leader, heading a think tank is a natural next step. It allows him to keep contributing to debates on defence, strategy and foreign policy, this time from outside the government.

A Career of More Than Four Decades

General Anil Chauhan was born on 18 May 1961. He trained at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He was commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles on 13 June 1981.

Over the years, he held some of the most important posts in the Indian Army:

His service in both the northern and eastern sectors gave him wide experience of India's borders and its security challenges.

His Time as Chief of Defence Staff

General Anil Chauhan was appointed CDS on 30 September 2022, becoming the second officer to hold the post after the late General Bipin Rawat. As CDS, he held three roles at the same time:

• Chief of Defence Staff: The senior-most uniformed adviser to the government on matters involving all three services

• Secretary, Department of Military Affairs: The head of the department in the Ministry of Defence that deals with the Armed Forces

• Permanent Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee: The head of the committee of the three service chiefs

The post of CDS was created to improve coordination between the Army, Navy and Air Force, and to push forward joint planning, training and operations.

Awards and Honours

For his distinguished service, General Anil Chauhan has received:

• Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)

• Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM)

• Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)

• Sena Medal (SM)

• Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM)

About the Vivekananda International Foundation

The VIF is a think tank, which means it is an organisation where experts study important issues, write reports and hold discussions to help shape public policy. Many former diplomats, military officers and civil servants are associated with it.

Why This News Matters for Defence Aspirants

• Current affairs: Appointments of senior military leaders are often asked in the General Knowledge sections of NDA, CDS, AFCAT and CAPF exams.

• SSB interviews: Candidates are expected to know about the CDS, the Department of Military Affairs and the country's top military leadership.

• Inspiration: General Anil Chauhan's journey from an NDA cadet to the highest military post in the country shows what steady service over four decades can achieve.

Quick Facts to Remember

• General Anil Chauhan was India's second Chief of Defence Staff.

• He was commissioned into the 11 Gorkha Rifles in 1981.

• He served as CDS from 30 September 2022 to 30 May 2026.

• He became Director of the VIF on 5 October 2026, succeeding Dr Arvind Gupta.

• The VIF was founded in 2009, with Ajit Doval as its first Director.

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