Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, the senior Army officer whom Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted during the height of India’s precision strikes under Operation Sindoor, has been appointed as the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy). He will concurrently continue to serve as the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), a dual role that underscores his strategic importance in the Indian Army's high command.
The position of Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) is a relatively new but highly significant vertical within the Indian Army. It was created to oversee key domains such as the Army’s Operations and Intelligence Directorates, among other critical functions. The Ministry of Defence, in an official statement, described the post as one of the most vital appointments in the Indian Army’s modern organisational structure.
Lt Gen Ghai’s elevation comes soon after he was honoured with the prestigious Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) on June 4, during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 (Phase-II). The medal was awarded in recognition of his distinguished service and strategic leadership.
Following the conclusion of hostilities with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, Lt Gen Ghai addressed the media on May 12. In his briefing, he highlighted the Indian Armed Forces' high level of preparedness and coordinated response during the operation. He noted that the mission was executed through precision strikes against terrorist targets without breaching the Line of Control (LoC) or the International Boundary (IB). Notably, he likened the operation to a cricket match, saying, “Ashes to Ashes”, in reference to India’s successful use of its layered air defence systems to counter aerial threats from Pakistan.
Also Read: Op Sindoor redefines India's Pakistan strategy, more to come
Earlier this year, around February 25, Lt Gen Ghai visited Manipur to assess the volatile security situation, particularly along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB). During his visit, he held high-level discussions with state leadership, including Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the State Security Advisor, the Chief Secretary, and the Director General of Police. The visit aimed to evaluate the operational readiness of Indian Army units deployed in the region and to review the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects along the border.
In his assessment, Lt Gen Ghai emphasised the necessity of a “whole-of-government approach” to address the complex security challenges in the northeastern state. The discussions were focused on stabilising the prevailing conditions, strengthening border management, and enhancing the overall security infrastructure along the IMB.
A veteran officer of the Kumaon Regiment, Lt Gen Ghai has held several critical operational positions throughout his military career. Before taking over as DGMO, he served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Chinar Corps, where he played a pivotal role in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai assumed the post of DGMO on October 25, 2024, and has since been a key figure in shaping India’s operational strategies and military preparedness. His elevation to Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) further cements his role as a central figure in India’s defence planning and execution in the face of both external and internal security challenges.
Also Read: BSF hits 76 Pak posts: Video shows strikes in Operation Sindoor
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