The Appointments Committee of Cabinet, on May 26, 2024, approved the extension in service of Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande, a rare move in India.

"The Appointments Committee of Cabinet, on May 26, 2024, approved the extension in service of Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj C Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC for a period of one month, beyond his normal age of superannuation (May 31, 2024), i.e. up to June 30, 2024, under Rule 16 A (4) of the Army Rules 1954," read a statement issued by the Indian government.

The first only such step was previously done by former late PM Indira Gandhi-led PM when General GG Bewoor's tenure was extended.

Pande was appointed to the post on Apr 30, 2022.

He was commissioned in December 1982 in the Corps of Engineers (The Bombay Sappers).

He held the appointment of Vice Chief of the Army Staff before taking over as the COAS.