Major General Harsh Chhibber Takes Over as Commandant of College of Defence Management

He succeeds Rear Admiral Sanjay Datt, VSM, who has retired after an illustrious 36-year career in the Indian Navy. The ceremony marked a momentous occasion, celebrating both a distinguished career and the continuation of excellence at one of the premier training institutes of the Indian Armed Forces.

In a significant leadership transition at the College of Defence Management (CDM), Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), Major General Harsh Chhibber, VSM, PhD, assumed the prestigious role of Commandant on May 31, 2024.

He succeeds Rear Admiral Sanjay Datt, VSM, who has retired after an illustrious 36-year career in the Indian Navy. The ceremony marked a momentous occasion, celebrating both a distinguished career and the continuation of excellence at one of the premier training institutes of the Indian Armed Forces.

Rear Admiral Sanjay Datt’s tenure at the CDM has been marked by significant contributions to the institution and the Indian Navy. Over his 36-year career, Rear Admiral Datt has been instrumental in shaping the strategic and operational capabilities of the Navy.

His leadership at the CDM has fostered an environment of excellence, innovation, and dedication to the mission of training mid-level officers in higher defence management.

Upon his superannuation, Rear Admiral Datt expressed his gratitude to his colleagues and the institution, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the armed forces.

His departure from active service marks the end of a chapter, but his influence and legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of military leaders

Major General Harsh Chhibber, an officer of high repute, brings a wealth of experience and academic acumen to his new role as the 27th Commandant of CDM. Holding the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) and a PhD, Major General Chhibber is well-regarded for his strategic insight and commitment to excellence. His appointment is seen as a continuation of the high standards set by his predecessors and a step forward in enhancing the institution’s capabilities.

In his inaugural address, Major General Chhibber outlined his vision for the CDM, focusing on the integration of advanced strategic studies, innovative training methodologies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

He emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving nature of global security challenges and ensuring that the officers trained at CDM are well-prepared to meet these challenges head-on.

The College of Defence Management is a cornerstone of the Indian Armed Forces’ training infrastructure, tasked with the critical mission of preparing mid-level officers for higher responsibilities in defence management.

Under the leadership of Major General Chhibber, the institution is poised to further its mission by incorporating cutting-edge research, fostering inter-service cooperation, and enhancing the strategic capabilities of its graduates.

Lieutenant General JP Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), and all ranks at HQ IDS, extended their best wishes to Major General Chhibber.

They expressed confidence in his ability to lead one of the finest training institutes, known for its rigorous academic programs and its pivotal role in shaping the strategic thinkers of the Indian Armed Forces.

Major General Chhibber’s tenure is expected to build on the foundation laid by Rear Admiral Datt, with a future-oriented approach that leverages new technologies and innovative training techniques.

His focus on higher defence management will involve addressing contemporary challenges through enhanced strategic studies, decision sciences, and leadership training.

By fostering collaborations with other academic institutions, think tanks, and industry leaders, Major General Chhibber aims to position CDM at the forefront of defence education. This collaborative approach is intended to provide officers with a comprehensive understanding of both military and civilian aspects of defence management, equipping them with the skills necessary to excel in a complex and dynamic security environment.

The transition of command at the College of Defence Management marks a new era of leadership and excellence. Major General Harsh Chhibber’s appointment as Commandant is a testament to his distinguished career and his vision for the future of defence management education.

As he takes the helm, the CDM is set to continue its legacy of producing highly skilled and strategically minded officers, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

The Indian Armed Forces, and the nation, look forward to the continued success and contributions of the CDM under Major General Chhibber’s leadership. His tenure promises to uphold the highest standards of training and strategic development, ensuring that the officers of the Indian Armed Forces remain among the best in the world.