Overview

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the move on September 24, confirming service through May 30, 2026, or until further orders.
• He will continue to serve as Secretary, Department of Military Affairs while holding the CDS post.
• The extension runs to the CDS statutory age cap of 65, which Gen Chauhan reaches in May 2026.
• Officials link the decision to operational continuity after May’s Operation Sindoor and to his lead role in theatre-command and jointness reforms.
• Appointed CDS in late September 2022 after being recalled from retirement, he is the first three-star officer to hold the position.