Lieutenant General Dinesh Singh Rana officially assumed charge as the 18th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN) on June 1, 2025. Based at Sri Vijaya Puram, the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) stands as India's sole tri-service operational command, seamlessly integrating elements of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard to safeguard national interests in the strategically critical Indian Ocean Region.

Lt Gen Rana brings a distinguished career spanning over 37 years to his new role. Commissioned into the 10th Battalion of The Garhwal Rifles on December 19, 1987, he later had the unique distinction of commanding the same battalion.

His extensive military education includes graduating from the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and being a postgraduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.

He is also an alumnus of the National Defence College, New Delhi, the Centre for National Defence Studies, Madrid, Spain, and the National Defense University, USA, having topped numerous professional military courses throughout his academic journey.

The General Officer's diverse experience encompasses a wide array of operational, instructional, and staff appointments across varied terrains and theatres.

His operational deployments include tenures with the Indian Military Training Team and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. He has commanded an Infantry Brigade and Division in the Eastern Sector, and subsequently led the Gajraj Corps along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

In addition to his command roles, Lt Gen Rana has served as an instructor at prestigious institutions such as the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, the 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).

Notably, prior to assuming the charge of CINCAN, Lt Gen Rana served as Director General, Defence Intelligence Agency. His elevation to the rank of Commander-in-Chief from this position is historic, marking him as the first Chief of Defence Intelligence to achieve this rank.

This promotion underscores the increasing significance of defence intelligence and jointmanship within India's military leadership.

For his exemplary service, Lt Gen Rana has been decorated with numerous prestigious awards, including 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.

Early in his career, he was recognized for gallantry in Kashmir, earning the Sena Medal and COAS Commendation. Adding to his distinguished profile, he also holds a Ph.D. in China’s defence modernization.