Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana on Sunday assumed charge as the 18th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s first and only tri-service operational command.

Headquartered at Sri Vijaya Puram, the ANC integrates the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard to protect India’s strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region.

Commissioned into the 10th Battalion of The Garhwal Rifles on December 19, 1987, Lt Gen Rana later commanded the same battalion.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and the National Defence College, his academic journey also includes prestigious stints at the Centre for National Defence Studies in Spain and the National Defense University in the USA.

Over a 37-year distinguished career, Lt Gen Rana has held key operational, instructional, and staff roles. He served with the Indian Military Training Team and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and commanded both an infantry brigade and division in the Eastern Sector, later leading the Gajraj Corps along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

As an instructor, he has served at the Indian Military Academy, College of Defence Management, and the Army War College. His notable staff appointments include Brigade Major of an Independent Armoured Brigade, Brigadier Military Intelligence (East), Provost Marshal, and Director General Staff Duties.

Before assuming the CINCAN role, he was Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency, becoming the first Chief of Defence Intelligence to be elevated to a Commander-in-Chief appointment—underscoring the growing importance of jointmanship and intelligence in military strategy.

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.

He earned both the Sena Medal and COAS Commendation early in his career for gallantry in Kashmir. He also holds a Ph.D. on China’s defence modernisation.