In a significant ceremonial event yesterday, Lieutenant General Pawan Chadha officially took charge as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 111 Area, succeeding Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command. The handover, marked by the formal exchange of insignia, underscores a seamless transition of leadership in one of India’s strategically critical operational zones.
Lieutenant General Tiwari, a decorated veteran, has commanded the 17th Infantry Division along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and served as Chief of Staff of the South Western Command. His leadership in counter-insurgency operations in Assam and high-altitude warfare in Jammu & Kashmir earned him the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal.
Lieutenant General Chadha brings extensive experience, having commanded key regions including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa. His recent visit to Vadodara in March 2025 highlighted his focus on enhancing rear-area security—a vital element for operational continuity. Analysts note that Chadha’s illustrious career positions him to strengthen regional coordination and defense preparedness in the Eastern Command.
The leadership change reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to merit-based promotions, with over 85% of senior ranks earned through operational excellence. The handover ceremony, conducted under the national flag, symbolizes the Army’s enduring values of discipline, honor, and readiness.
The Eastern Command continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s northeastern frontiers, and further details on the new GOC’s strategic priorities are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
