After the sudden death of India’s first Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat on Dec 8, 2021 in a helicopter crash, the process to select his successor has already been initiated by the government.
In view of the emerging security threats, India faces, the choice of a new CDS will be very critical for the armed forces and the government.
Names are doing rounds in the corridors of power?
“As per rules, the government can pick up any Army Commander or equivalent,” explained a senior officer who wished to remain anonymous.
Names of the present Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane (retiring in April 2022) and former Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria who retired earlier this year are being floated around. Perhaps former Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh could be considered, or even the recently retired Indian Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh.
Can an already retired officer be recalled and given a position?
Yes. It happened earlier in the Indian Army, when a retired General was recalled to raise I Corps. To raise 1 Corps, Lt Gen Patrick Oswald Dunn was the one who was recalled after he had retired.