Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar assumes command of Southern Command
Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar, AVSM, VSM, assumed command as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the 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. A highly accomplished Armoured Corps officer with more than four decades of distinguished military service, Lieutenant General Pushkar brings to this prestigious appointment a wealth of operational expertise, strategic leadership and extensive command experience across some of the Indian Army’s most critical formations.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar was commissioned into the 74 Armoured Regiment in December 1988. Throughout his illustrious military career, he has served in a wide spectrum of command, staff and instructional appointments, demonstrating exceptional professionalism, operational competence and leadership in diverse geographical and operational environments. His long and distinguished service reflects an unwavering commitment to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Indian Army while contributing significantly to its institutional development.
Before assuming command of the Southern Command, Lieutenant General Pushkar served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Corps, where he provided decisive leadership and strategic direction during Operation SINDOOR. His role in the operation highlighted his ability to lead large operational formations under demanding circumstances while ensuring effective planning, coordination and execution of military objectives. His calm leadership and sound operational judgement earned widespread recognition within the Army.
The General Officer possesses extensive command experience across the Army’s premier operational formations. He has commanded an Armoured Regiment in an operational area, a strategically significant Independent Armoured Brigade, an Infantry Division and a premier Strike Corps deployed in the Western Sector. These appointments have enabled him to develop deep expertise in armoured warfare, combined arms operations, large-scale force mobilisation and operational planning across varied theatres of military operations.
In addition to his command responsibilities, Lieutenant General Pushkar has held several important staff appointments that have significantly contributed to the Indian Army’s operational planning and organisational management. His 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, Brigadier General Staff of an Operational Command, Additional Director General of the Armoured Corps and Director General Territorial Army. These appointments have provided him with extensive exposure to personnel management, logistics, operational planning, force development and strategic administration.
Lieutenant General Pushkar has also contributed to military education and professional development as an Instructor at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. His instructional tenure allowed him to mentor and train future military leaders, reflecting his commitment to nurturing professional excellence and strengthening leadership within the armed forces.
The General Officer has represented India in important international military assignments. He served as part of the Indian Military Training Team in Bhutan, contributing to defence cooperation and military capacity-building with a close strategic partner. He also served as Defence and Military Attaché at the Embassy of India in Moscow, with concurrent accreditation to Armenia and Belarus. These overseas assignments enriched his understanding of international defence diplomacy, strategic partnerships and regional security dynamics.
A dedicated scholar-soldier, Lieutenant General Pushkar has pursued extensive professional and academic education throughout his career. He is a graduate of the National Defence Academy and has completed higher military education at the Defence Services Staff College, the College of Defence Management and the prestigious National Defence College. His academic qualifications also 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, reflecting his strong intellectual foundation in military strategy, leadership and national security.
In recognition of his exceptional service to the nation, Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM). He has also received the Chief of Army Staff Commendation and three Army Commander’s Commendations, honouring his distinguished leadership, operational excellence and sustained contributions to the Indian Army.
Upon assuming command of the Southern Command, Lieutenant General Pushkar paid tribute to the nation’s Bravehearts at the Southern Command War Memorial before receiving a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Headquarters Southern Command. Reaffirming the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational readiness across its diverse areas of responsibility, he emphasised the importance of enhanced jointness among the armed forces, indigenous capability development and the rapid integration of emerging technologies. Expressing confidence in all ranks, he called upon the personnel of the Southern Command to uphold the glorious traditions of the Indian Army and continue delivering the highest standards of operational excellence in service of the nation.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar the very best.