Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar, AVSM, VSM, assumed command as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Southern Command on 1 July 2026. He succeeds Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain, AVSM, SM, who has taken over as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
On assuming command, Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar paid solemn tribute to the Bravehearts at the Southern Command War Memorial. He was subsequently presented with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Headquarters Southern Command.
Distinguished Military Career Spanning Four Decades
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar was commissioned into the 74 Armoured Regiment in December 1988.
During an illustrious military career spanning more than four decades, the General Officer has held several important command, staff and instructional appointments across diverse geographical regions and operational environments.
Before taking over the Southern Command, Lieutenant General Pushkar served as the General Officer Commanding of 2 Corps, one of the Indian Army’s premier strike formations. During his tenure, he provided decisive leadership and strategic foresight to the formation during Operation SINDOOR.
His extensive command experience includes commanding an Armoured Regiment in an operational area, a strategically important Independent Armoured Brigade, an Infantry Division and a premier Strike Corps in the Western Sector.
These appointments provided him with considerable experience in mechanised warfare, operational planning, joint operations, force mobilisation and the employment of large formations in strategically sensitive areas.
Key Staff and Instructional Appointments
Lieutenant General Pushkar has also served in several significant staff appointments at formation and Army Headquarters levels.
His important assignments include serving as Colonel Military Secretary in a Strike Corps, Colonel General Staff of an Armoured Division in the Western Sector, Brigadier Quartermaster General of a Strike Corps and Brigadier General Staff of an Operational Command.
He also served as Additional Director General, Armoured Corps, and Director General Territorial Army, where he contributed to policy formulation, organisational development and the operational preparedness of important components of the Indian Army.
The General Officer has also served as an instructor at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, contributing to the training and professional development of future officers of the Indian Armed Forces.
International Military Experience
Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar has had two significant international tenures during his military career.
He served as part of the Indian Military Training Team in Bhutan, strengthening defence cooperation and professional military engagement between India and Bhutan.
He later served as the Defence and Military Attaché at the Embassy of India in Moscow, with concurrent accreditation to Armenia and Belarus. The appointment provided him with valuable experience in defence diplomacy, international military cooperation and strategic affairs.
Academic Qualifications
In addition to graduating from the National Defence Academy, Lieutenant General Pushkar is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, the College of Defence Management and the prestigious National Defence College of India.
His civil academic qualifications include a Master’s degree in Defence and Strategic Studies, a Master’s degree in Management Studies and a Master of Philosophy in Defence and International Relations.
His extensive military education and academic pursuits have provided him with a comprehensive understanding of national security, strategic planning, defence management and international relations.
Awards and Decorations
In recognition of his distinguished service and professional excellence, Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Vishisht Seva Medal.
He has also received the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card and three Army Commander’s Commendation Cards for his dedication, leadership and contributions to the Indian Army.
Focus on Operational Readiness, Jointness and Technology
After assuming command, Lieutenant General Pushkar reaffirmed Southern Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest levels of operational readiness across its diverse areas of responsibility.
He emphasised the need to achieve greater synergy through enhanced jointness among the Armed Forces, development of indigenous military capabilities and the rapid integration of emerging technologies.
The Army Commander expressed confidence that all ranks of Southern Command would continue to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and maintain the highest standards of operational excellence in service of the nation.
As General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar will oversee one of the Indian Army’s largest and most strategically significant commands, with extensive operational, training and administrative responsibilities across southern and central India.
