promoted substantive brigadier on 5 January 1968 and was appointed deputy director military operations at army headquarters on 13 February, serving through 1968–69. On 29 June 1969, he was promoted to the acting rank of major general and commanded the 26 Infantry Division in the Jammu Region during 1969–70, with promotion to substantive major-general on 4 August 1970. Thereafter, he commanded the 8 Mountain Division engaged in counterinsurgency operations in Nagaland and Manipur during 1970–72. During this period, his division also participated in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. His division captured the Sylhet Area and liberated North East Bangladesh. He was awarded the Param Vishist Seva Medal (the award for distinguished services of the most exceptional order) for displaying outstanding leadership, courage, determination and drive during this War. Gen Rao then moved to Western Sector upon his appointment on 1 June 1972 as chief of staff, Western Command. He served in this role from 1972 to 1974, during which period disengagement with Pakistani troops was carried out and fresh plans were made against likely adventures by Pakistan. On 2 August 1974, Krishna Rao was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and took over command of the largest corps (XVI Corps) in the Jammu Region. In addition, during 1975–76, he was also the chairman of the expert committee constituted by the government on re-organisation and modernisation for future defence of the country. Later, he served as deputy chief of army staff at army headquarters during 1978–79. Subsequently, he was promoted army commander and served as general officer commanding-in-chief Western Command, then based in Shimla during 1979–81. Chief of army staff General Krishna Rao was appointed as chief of army staff on 1 June 1981, and served in that capacity till July 1983. He was also chairman of the chiefs of staff committee, the highest appointment in the services, during March 1982 – July 1983. His services and leadership were warmly appreciated by the prime minister and the government. During his service, General Krishna Rao also held numerous other responsibilities. He was colonel of the Mahar Regiment during 1968–83. As chief of army staff, he was also colonel of 61 Cavalry, honorary colonel of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment and the Brigade of the Guards and colonel-in-chief of the National Cadet Corps. After relinquishing colonelcy of the Mahar Regiment, he was appointed as honorary colonel of the regiment. He was made honorary