Lieutenant General Rajeev Ghai Promoted to Deputy Army Chief (Strategy)

Lieutenant General Rajeev Ghai's New Role

Lieutenant General Rajeev Ghai has been elevated to the position of Deputy Army Chief (Strategy). In this role, he will oversee all operational areas of the Indian Army, reporting directly to the Deputy Army Chief (Security). He will continue to serve as the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), a significant role he assumed in October 2024. With over thirty years of distinguished military service, General Ghai has extensive operational, command, and staff experience, particularly in sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir.

Career Highlights and Experience

General Ghai graduated from the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, receiving his commission in December 1989 with the Kumaon Regiment. Throughout his 33-year career, he has held prestigious positions, including Colonel General Staff in a division deployed for counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, and Brigade Commander at the Army Headquarters. His command experience includes leading a battalion, a brigade, and a division along the northern borders, showcasing his extensive operational background.

Focus on Peace and Coordination

Prior to his appointment as DGMO, Lieutenant General Ghai served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Chinar Corps, the Indian Army unit responsible for operations in Kashmir. In his inaugural address, he emphasized the importance of hard work and determination in efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region, advocating for close coordination among the army, civil administration, and society to combat terrorism and promote development.

Responsibilities as DGMO

As DGMO, Lieutenant General Ghai is tasked with planning and commanding military operations, including combat and counter-terrorism missions. He ensures that the armed forces are prepared for any operation while coordinating closely with other government services and ministries. He also serves as the primary military interlocutor with Pakistan's DGMO, maintaining direct communication lines to address and de-escalate tensions along the border.