Former vice chief of army staff Lieutenant General (retd) Sarath Chand joined the BJP today in presence of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Lieutenant General Sarath Chand assumed the office of VCOAS on 13 January 2017 after General Bipin Rawat was promoted to Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

He had retired on 31 May 2018, succeeded by Lt General Devraj Anbu.

Chand was born in Kottarakkara, Kerala and was commissioned into Garhwal Rifles in June 1979. He has vast experience spanning over 38 years and has served in all operational theatres and held active combat leadership role at every stage of command.

In addition, he has held numerous staff and instructional appointments including instructor of the commando wing in infantry school.

During his 38 years of service, he has been awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2006, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2014, the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal in 2016 and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2018.