NEW DELHI - Anil Chauhan assumed the charge of India's new chief of defense staff (CDS) in New Delhi on Friday. He took the post succeeding Bipin Rawat, who died in an air crash in December.

India’s newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff Lt. General Anil Chauhan (C) arrives at the south block to inspect a guard of honour, in New Delhi on September 30, 2022. (Photo: AFP)

The post had been vacant since Rawat's death.

Before taking charge, Chauhan visited the National War Memorial, and was accorded the guard of honor.

Chauhan's appointment was announced on Wednesday evening.