Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar takes over Indian Army Southern Command
NEW DELHI, July 1, 2026:- Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar assumed command as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command today. He takes over the role from Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain, who has moved on to become the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Pushkar was commissioned into the 74 Armoured Regiment in December 1988 and brings over four decades of military experience to his new position, having recently provided strategic leadership as the General Officer Commanding 2 Corps during Operation Sindoor.
Throughout his distinguished career, Pushkar has commanded an Armoured Regiment in an operational area, a strategic Independent Armoured Brigade, an Infantry Division, and a premier Strike Corps in the Western Sector. His extensive staff and instructional appointments include serving as the Director General Territorial Army, Additional Director General of the Armoured Corps, and an instructor at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla.
His career also features significant international diplomatic exposure, having served with the Indian Military Training Team in Bhutan and as the Defence and Military Attache at the Embassy of India in Moscow, with accreditation to Armenia and Belarus.
Pushkar holds advanced academic qualifications, including master’s degrees in defence and strategic studies, management studies, and international relations from premier institutions like the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College of India.
His service has been recognized with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, and multiple commendations from the Chief of Army Staff and Army Commanders. Upon taking charge, Pushkar paid tribute at the Southern Command War Memorial and emphasized his focus on maintaining high operational readiness, enhancing jointness, developing indigenous capabilities, and integrating emerging technologies.