General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd.), former Chief of Army Staff and senior Indian politician, represents a rare blend of military leadership, administrative reform, and patriotic zeal. From leading troops in war zones to overseeing critical evacuation missions and taking bold stands in Parliament, his journey reflects a lifetime of service, integrity, and fearless leadership.
He will be the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the historic 148th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA), scheduled for May 30. The landmark event will see the first batch of woman cadets graduating from the premier tri-services academy among around 340 passing out cadets.
Also Read: NDA Passing Out Parade To Be Held on 30 May 2025: All You Need To Know About The Event in Advance
Early Life and Education
Born on May 10, 1950, in Uttar Pradesh, Gen. Vijay Kumar Singh grew up in a family with strong military traditions, instilling in him values of discipline, patriotism, and honour from an early age.
His military education includes top institutions like the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Military Academy (IMA), Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), and the College of Combat, Mhow. He also trained at the U.S. Army War College in Pennsylvania, gaining global strategic insights.
These prestigious institutions shaped his leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to national service, laying the foundation for his distinguished career as a military reformer and statesman.
Distinguished Military Career
Commissioned into the 2 Rajput Regiment in 1970, General V.K. Singh began his military journey on the front lines. He played a key role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which resulted in the historic liberation of Bangladesh. His early experiences in active combat shaped his leadership and operational expertise.
Throughout his career, General Singh was actively involved in counter-insurgency operations in challenging regions like Nagaland and Jammu & Kashmir. He also represented India in UN Peacekeeping Missions across Africa, contributing to global peace and stability.
Rising through the ranks, he commanded military units at every level—from company and battalion to brigade, division, and corps. His leadership of elite Special Forces units earned him respect for tactical excellence and operational efficiency.
General Singh became known for his strong advocacy of modernization and transparency in the Indian Army. Equally dedicated to soldier welfare, he consistently worked to improve the lives and conditions of the men under his command. His career reflects a blend of combat experience, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to national service.
Tenure as Chief of Army Staff (2010–2012)
Appointed as India’s 26th Chief of Army Staff, General V.K. Singh made history as the first commando-trained officer to hold the Army’s top position. His tenure was marked by bold decisions, fearless leadership, and a commitment to military integrity.
One of the most talked-about events during his service was the age dispute controversy, where General Singh challenged the official records of his date of birth. This brought the sensitive issue of civil-military relations into the national spotlight, sparking widespread debate.
General Singh also led a strong anti-corruption drive, notably exposing the Tatra trucks procurement scandal. His actions raised serious concerns about corruption in defence deals and emphasized the need for transparency and accountability within the armed forces.
Another major moment of his tenure was a confidential letter to the Prime Minister, later leaked to the media. In it, he warned of serious gaps in India’s defence preparedness, highlighting issues in military readiness and equipment shortages.
Despite the controversies, General V.K. Singh’s legacy as Army Chief is remembered for his courage, transparency, and unwavering stance on accountability within the Indian Army.
Awards and Military Honors
General Singh’s illustrious military career has been recognized with some of India’s highest military honors, showcasing his exceptional service and leadership. He has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and Yudh Seva Medal (YSM)—each a testament to his operational brilliance, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to national security.
These prestigious awards highlight General Singh’s distinguished contributions in both combat and peacetime roles. From leading troops in challenging operations to driving reforms and ensuring military preparedness, his career reflects exemplary leadership under fire and dedication to India’s defence. These accolades not only honour his past achievements but also reinforce his enduring legacy in the Indian armed forces.
General V.K. Singh enrolled as a Ph.D. student at Barkatullah University in Bhopal in 2010, focusing his research on “Geostrategy of Wakhan,” a strategic region in Afghanistan. While specific details about the completion of his doctoral studies are not publicly available, his official parliamentary biography lists a Ph.D. among his educational qualifications, suggesting that he successfully earned the degree.
Transition to Politics and Government Leadership
Post-retirement, General Singh entered politics by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014. He was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) from Ghaziabad and quickly emerged as a key national figure. General Singh has held significant ministerial roles, including Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways.
As a Minister of State, General Singh was instrumental in leading high-risk evacuation missions such as Operation Rahat in Yemen, and similar successful efforts in Iraq and Libya, showcasing his leadership in crisis situations. In the infrastructure domain, he played a vital role in accelerating road and highway development projects across India, contributing to national connectivity and growth.
General Vijay Kumar Singh’s transition from military leadership to public service reflects his disciplined, hands-on approach and unwavering commitment to national development. His image as a soldier-politician continues to resonate with people across the country, symbolizing service, action, and integrity in public life.
He currently serves as the Governor of Mizoram.
Personal Life, Writings & Leadership Philosophy
General Singh is the author of the acclaimed autobiography Courage and Conviction, which offers a candid insight into his life, military career, and reformist vision. Through his writing, he shares valuable lessons from his experiences on the battlefield and his commitment to transforming India’s defence and governance systems.
General Singh often speaks on important topics such as youth participation in governance, the importance of national pride and patriotism, and the need for transparency in defence and public institutions. His strong advocacy for these issues resonates widely, inspiring many across the country.
His guiding philosophy, “A soldier never quits, even when he removes his uniform,” reflects his relentless dedication to serving the nation beyond the battlefield. This principle continues to shape his impactful political and public life, making him a respected voice on leadership, integrity, and national service.
A Symbolic Return to NDA
On 30 May 2025, General Singh will be reviewing the 148th NDA Passing Out Parade, which saw the first women cadets graduate from the Academy. His presence will serve as a powerful symbol of continuity between past traditions and modern military reforms.
This moment will be reinforcing his role as both a product of the NDA and an inspirational leader for future defence officers.
Also Read: NDA’s First Batch of Women Cadets Set to Graduate, Marking Historic Milestone in Armed Forces
Conclusion
General Singh’s journey from military service to political leadership embodies India’s evolving defence and governance ecosystem. A warrior, reformer, whistleblower, and politician, his legacy is one of principled leadership, national service, and uncompromising values.
As India faces new global and strategic challenges, Gen. Singh remains a figure of strength and inspiration—a living reminder that service before self is not just a motto, but a way of life.
