Lt Gen Dinesh Singh Rana took charge as the 18th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN)—India’s first and only joint services operational command—on Sunday.
Based at Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) integrates the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard to safeguard national interests in the strategically important Indian Ocean Region.
Before his appointment as CINCAN, he served as Director General of Defence Intelligence Agency. He scripted history by becoming the first Chief of Defence Intelligence to be elevated to the rank of Commander-in-Chief.
Lt Gen Rana was commissioned into the 10th Battalion of The Garhwal Rifles on December 19, 1987. Later, he commanded the same battalion.
He completed his graduation from National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and post-graduation from Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. A topper in multiple professional military courses, he is also an alumnus of the National Defence College, New Delhi; Centre for National Defence Studies, Madrid, Spain; and the National Defense University, USA.
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In a career spanning nearly four decades, Lt Gen Rana has held various operational, instructional, and staff appointments across various terrains and theatres. His service includes tenures with the Indian Military Training Team and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
He commanded an Infantry Brigade and Division in the Eastern Sector and later led the Gajraj Corps along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Lt Gen Rana has also served as an instructor at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun; College of Defence Management, Secunderabad; and the Higher Command Wing, Army War College, Mhow.
His 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 Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Army).
For his distinguished service, Lt Gen Rana has been awarded 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 earned the Sena Medal and COAS Commendation for gallantry in Kashmir. He also holds a PhD in China’s defence modernisation.