New Delhi, July 1: Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar, AVSM, VSM, on Tuesday assumed charge as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Southern Command, one of the Indian Army’s oldest and most strategically significant operational commands. He succeeds Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain, AVSM, SM, who has taken over as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
An accomplished Armoured Corps officer with over four decades of distinguished military service, Lt Gen Pushkar brings extensive operational, strategic and international experience to his new role.
Veteran Armoured Corps Officer
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar was commissioned into the 74 Armoured Regiment in December 1988.
Throughout his illustrious career, he has served in a wide range of command, staff and instructional appointments across diverse operational environments, contributing significantly to the Indian Army’s combat readiness and organisational development.
Key Role During Operation Sindoor
One of the defining chapters of Lt Gen Pushkar’s recent career was his tenure as General Officer Commanding (GOC), II Corps, where he provided strategic leadership during Operation Sindoor. His operational planning and command played an important role in maintaining the Army’s preparedness during the operation.
Extensive Command Experience
Lt Gen Pushkar has commanded several prestigious formations during his military career, including:
- An Armoured Regiment in an operational area
- An Independent Armoured Brigade
- An Infantry Division
- A premier Strike Corps in the Western Sector
These appointments have provided him with extensive expertise in conventional warfare, integrated battle operations and large-scale military planning.
Important Staff Appointments
The General Officer has also held several critical staff appointments, including:
- Colonel Military Secretary in a Strike Corps
- Colonel General Staff of an Armoured Division
- Brigadier Quartermaster General of a Strike Corps
- Brigadier General Staff at an Operational Command
- Additional Director General, Armoured Corps
- Director General, Territorial Army
He also served as an Instructor at the National Defence Academy, mentoring future military leaders.
International Defence Experience
Lt Gen Pushkar has represented India in important international military assignments.
He served with the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT) in Bhutan and later as Defence and Military Attaché at the Embassy of India in Moscow, with concurrent accreditation to Armenia and Belarus. These assignments strengthened India’s military diplomacy and defence cooperation with partner nations.
Distinguished Military Scholar
Lt Gen Pushkar is a graduate of several premier military institutions, including:
- National Defence Academy (NDA)
- Defence Services Staff College (DSSC)
- College of Defence Management (CDM)
- National Defence College (NDC)
His academic qualifications also include:
- Master’s in Defence and Strategic Studies
- Master’s in Management Studies
- M.Phil. in Defence and International Relations
Highly Decorated Officer
In recognition of his distinguished service, Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar has been awarded:
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)
- Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM)
- Chief of Army Staff Commendation
- Three Army Commander’s Commendations
These honours recognise his exceptional leadership, operational excellence and dedicated service to the nation.
Pays Tribute at Southern Command War Memorial
After assuming command, Lt Gen Pushkar paid homage to India’s fallen soldiers at the Southern Command War Memorial before receiving a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Southern Command Headquarters.
Addressing personnel, he reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining the highest levels of operational readiness across its vast area of responsibility. He emphasised greater jointness among the armed forces, accelerated induction of indigenous defence technologies and rapid integration of emerging technologies to prepare the Army for future warfare.
Southern Command’s Strategic Role
Headquartered in Pune, the Southern Command is one of the Indian Army’s oldest operational commands. It is responsible for safeguarding India’s southern peninsula while also overseeing operational preparedness, logistics, training and support across a vast geographical area.
Under Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar’s leadership, the command is expected to continue strengthening combat readiness, promote indigenous capability development and enhance joint operational synergy in line with the Indian Army’s ongoing transformation and modernisation initiatives.