Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, who Pakistan contacted for a ceasefire during India’s strikes on Pakistani airbases in Operation Sindoor, was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Army Staff-Strategy.
He will continue to hold the post of Director General of Military Operations (DGMO).
The Deputy Chief (Strategy) is a relatively new vertical created to oversee the Indian Army’s Operations and Intelligence Directorates, among other important branches.
It is considered one of the most crucial appointments within the Indian Army, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence.
On June 4, Lt Gen Ghai was also awarded the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 (Phase-II), recognising his distinguished service.
In a press briefing on May 12, a couple of days after the cessation of hostilities was announced with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, Lt Gen Ghai underlined the preparedness and coordinated response of the Indian armed forces.
The operation involved precision strikes against terrorist targets without crossing the Line of Control or the International Boundary.
