Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, has officially assumed the role of the 22nd Director General of the Assam Rifles, also known as the “Sentinels of the North-East,” effective August 1, 2024. Lt Gen Lakhera brings a wealth of experience to his new position, particularly highlighted by his extensive service in the North East region, including a significant tenure as Inspector General of Assam Rifles in Nagaland.
Commissioned into the 4th Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry from the Indian Military Academy on June 9, 1990, Lt Gen Lakhera has had a distinguished military career. He has commanded his unit in Lower Assam under the Red Horns Division and held various high-profile command and staff appointments.
These include roles as Division Officer and Tactical Training Officer at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Deputy Military Advisor to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, and Deputy Commander of an Infantry Brigade.
Prior to his current appointment, Lt Gen Lakhera served as the Additional Director General of Military Operations, handling Information Warfare. His academic credentials are equally impressive, with a Master of Science from Madras University, a Master of Arts from King’s College, London, and a Masters in Management Studies from Osmania University.
Lt Gen Lakhera is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, the Higher Defence Management Course at the College of Defence Management, Secunderabad, and the National Defence Course at The Royal College of Defence Studies, London.
His rich professional background is complemented by his extensive operational experience in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism across Jammu & Kashmir and the North East.
The General Officer’s leadership is expected to further the legacy of the Assam Rifles in maintaining peace and security in the North-East. His decorated service, including the Ati Vishist Seva Medal, Sena Medal, a Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card, and two Army Commander Commendation Cards, speaks to his capability and dedication to the service.
