Lt Gen Dinesh Rana takes over as Commander-in-Chief of Andaman & Nicobar Command

Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana assumed command as the 18th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) on June 1, 2025, taking charge of India’s only tri-services operational command based at Sri Vijaya Puram.

The Andaman and Nicobar Command plays a key role in guarding India’s interests in the Indian Ocean Region, integrating assets and personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

Who is Lt Gen Dinesh Rana?

Lt Gen Rana was commissioned into the 10th Battalion of The Garhwal Rifles on December 19, 1987, later commanding the same battalion — a prestigious milestone in his 37-year military career. A graduate of the National Defence Academy (Khadakwasla) and postgraduate of the Defence Services Staff College (Wellington), he has further honed his strategic and defence expertise at the National Defence College (New Delhi), Centre for National Defence Studies (Madrid, Spain), and the National Defense University (USA). He has consistently topped professional military courses, reflecting an exceptional academic record.

Throughout his career, Lt Gen Rana has served in a wide range of operational, instructional, and staff roles across multiple theatres and terrains. His international assignments include stints with the Indian Military Training Team and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). Domestically, he has commanded an Infantry Brigade and Division in the Eastern Sector and later led the Gajraj Corps along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

An accomplished instructor, he has taught at premier institutions including the Indian Military Academy (Dehradun), College of Defence Management (Secunderabad), and Army War College (Mhow). His key staff appointments include Brigade Major of an Independent Armoured Brigade, Deputy Director General Staff Duties, Brigadier Military Intelligence (East), Provost Marshal, and Director General Staff Duties at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army).

Before taking over as CINCAN, Lt Gen Rana served as Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency, becoming the first Chief of Defence Intelligence to be elevated to a Commander-in-Chief role — a move underscoring the growing emphasis on intelligence and joint operational leadership in India’s defence strategy.

For his distinguished service, he has been decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Yudh Seva Medal (YSM), Sena Medal (SM), and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card. As a young officer, he was awarded the Sena Medal and COAS Commendation for gallantry in Kashmir. He also holds a Ph.D. in China’s defence modernisation, further highlighting his depth in strategic affairs.

Lt Gen Rana’s appointment to lead the tri-services Andaman and Nicobar Command reflects not only his vast operational experience but also the military’s emphasis on jointness and integrated command in an era of evolving maritime and regional threats.