New Delhi (GNP): Former Indian Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has been appointed Director of the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), with the appointment taking effect from October 5.
The appointment is a post-retirement posting rather than a military assignment.
VIF is widely regarded as closely aligned with India’s Hindu nationalist ecosystem and broadly supportive of the strategic outlook of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Its publications are often viewed through that political lens rather than as those of a neutral think tank.
The foundation grew out of the Vivekananda Kendra network, a Hindu spiritual and service organisation, reinforcing its association with the wider Hindu nationalist ecosystem.
The appointment comes after General Chauhan served as India’s second Chief of Defence Staff from 30 September 2022 to 30 May 2026. During his tenure, he also served as Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs.
He was the principal military adviser to the Indian government on tri-service military matters throughout his term.
Critics describe such appointments as part of the increasing “saffronisation” of India’s military, placing a recently retired senior commander at the helm of a think tank focused on national security and strategic affairs.
VIF describes itself as a New Delhi-based think tank established with the involvement of security experts, diplomats and philanthropists under the aegis of the Vivekananda Kendra. It says its aim is to develop ideas for a stronger, secure and prosperous India.
Founded in 2009, the foundation has maintained a strong focus on strategic affairs, defence policy and national security. Its research team includes former diplomats, military officers and academics.
Ajit Doval, who later became India’s National Security Adviser, was associated with the foundation in its early years and served as its founding director before joining the government as NSA in 2014.
VIF’s current executive committee includes former Army chief General NC Vij and former diplomats, reflecting the foundation’s continued ties to India’s security establishment.
General Chauhan has also previously engaged with the foundation. In August 2026, he spoke at a VIF event on Operation Sindoor and its aftermath.
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He joined the Indian Army in 1981 and held a series of command and senior staff positions before becoming Director General of Military Operations and Eastern Army Commander.
After retiring from the Army, he served as Military Adviser in India’s National Security Council Secretariat before becoming Chief of Defence Staff in 2022.
As CDS, he was involved in India’s efforts towards greater integration among the three armed services, military restructuring and the proposed Integrated Theatre Commands framework.
His move to VIF extends his involvement in India’s strategic and national-security discourse from the military establishment into policy research.
The appointment is likely to draw attention given the recurring movement of senior military and security officials between India’s state institutions and influential strategic-policy organisations.
