He last served as the Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command from 1 August 2016 to 31 March 2019.

[4][5] Walia graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla.

He attended a staff course at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington Cantonment, and also attended the Air War Course at the Air War College, Montgomery, Alabama, USA.

[6] Walia was commissioned in the flying branch (fighter stream) of the Indian Air Force on 15 June 1979.

His appointments at Air Headquarters included director of tactical operations.