Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, PhD, currently the Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command, has taken over as the 23rd Colonel of the Regiment of the Garhwal Rifles. The ceremonial baton was handed over at a solemn military function held at the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre in Lansdowne.
Lt Gen Rana succeeds Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, the former Vice Chief of the Army Staff, continuing the rich legacy of leadership in one of the Indian Army’s most decorated regiments.During the ceremony, Lt Gen Rana was presented with a Guard of Honour, and he paid tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the Regimental War Memorial. Addressing the troops, he emphasized his commitment to uphold the values, traditions, and martial legacy of the Garhwal Rifles.
The Garhwal Rifles Regiment, known for its gallantry and distinguished service in various theatres including World Wars, the Indo-Pak wars, counter-insurgency operations, and United Nations peacekeeping missions, comprises 27 battalions including a Scouts unit.
With extensive operational experience across varied terrains and key leadership positions—including Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency—Lt Gen Rana brings formidable strategic insight to his new role. His appointment is seen as a boost to regimental pride and a reaffirmation of its vital role in India’s defence framework.