text: 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 general of the Royal Nepalese Army (Now Nepalese Army).  He was principal honorary army ADC to the president.  He was president of Equestrian Federation of India and deputy chairman of the special organising committee of the 1982 Asian Games.  He was patron of the Indian Ex-Services League, United Service Institution of India and National Adventure Foundation.
  Gen Krishna Rao retired from service on 31 July 1983.
  Progenitor of the "Cold Start" military doctrine
  Gen Krishna Rao is credited with coming up with a unique military doctrine, now recognized and termed as 'Cold Start', during India's clashes with Pakistan, when the delay in political decision making resulted in constraining the mobilization of India's military actions. At the core of this doctrine is the initiation of swift, immediate, multiple strikes to counter and contain the enemy nation's aggression, in the interest of safety of the nation, without losing time and strategic advantage due to possible delays in political decisions owing to various domestic and international factors.
  Gubernatorial assignments
  From June 1984 to July 1989, General Krishna Rao was the governor of the North Eastern States of Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura.  He was also the governor of Mizoram in June 1988 and March to July 1989.  He was chancellor of the Manipur and Tripura Universities.  He was chairman of the North East Zone Culture Centre.  In his capacity of governor of the North Eastern States, he ensured that peace was brought about and maintained, and that the Tripura Agreement was concluded.