Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana Appointed Commander-in-Chief of Andaman & Nicobar Command: A New Era of Leadership

New Delhi: On June 1, 2025, Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana took on the role of the 18th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN). This command, located at Sri Vijaya Puram, is India’s first joint services operational command. It brings together the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard to protect national interests in the important Indian Ocean Region.

General Rana’s military journey began on December 19, 1987, when he was commissioned into the 10th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles. He later commanded the same battalion. He graduated from the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla and completed several advanced military courses. Education has been pivotal to his career; he excelled in various military programs and also studied at respected international institutions, including the National Defence University in the USA.

With over 37 years in service, General Rana has held a range of roles. His experience spans operations in different terrains and conflicts, including notable missions with the Indian Military Training Team and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. He’s commanded an Infantry Brigade and a Division in the Eastern Sector, and he has led the Gajraj Corps along the Line of Actual Control.

General Rana’s teaching experience is equally impressive. He has served as an instructor at the Indian Military Academy and the Army War College. His staff positions have included various significant roles, such as Brigade Major of an Independent Armoured Brigade and Director General Staff Duties at the Ministry of Defence (Army).

Before becoming CINCAN, General Rana worked as the Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency. He made history as the first Chief of Defence Intelligence elevated to this rank. This change reflects the increasing focus on defence intelligence and collaboration within India’s military structure.

In recognition of his service, General Rana has received several prestigious awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and the Yudh Seva Medal. He has also been acknowledged for his bravery in Kashmir. Notably, he holds a PhD focusing on China’s defence modernization, showcasing his breadth of knowledge in military strategy and geopolitics.

As India navigates a rapidly changing global landscape, leaders like General Rana play a crucial role in strengthening national defence and enhancing joint military operations. The emphasis on collaboration among different branches of the armed forces underscores the need for a united approach to security challenges, particularly in strategically critical regions.

For further insights into India’s military initiatives, you can explore resources such as [The Ministry of Defence](https://mod.gov.in) for official updates and information.

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LIEUTENANT GENERAL DINESH SINGH, COMMANDER IN CHIEF, ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR COMMAND, RANA IS COMMANDER IN CHIEF, LIEUTENANT GENERAL DINESH SINGH RANA TAKES OVER AS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF ANDAMAN & NICOBAR COMMAND