Overview

• The Ministry of Defence announced on June 9 that Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai will take on the newly created strategy post after serving since October as Director General of Military Operations
• The Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) position centralizes oversight of the Indian Army’s Operations and Intelligence Directorates to bolster strategic planning
• On June 4, Ghai received the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal at the 2025 Defence Investiture Ceremony in recognition of his distinguished service
• As DGMO, he directed Operation Sindoor’s precision strikes against terrorist targets without breaching the Line of Control and fielded a ceasefire plea from Pakistan’s military chief
• His previous command of the Chinar Corps and February inspections in Manipur underscored his expertise in counter-insurgency operations and border infrastructure development