New Military Leadership Takes Charge: Key Appointments in Indian Defence Forces

On 1st May 2025, India’s defence leadership witnessed significant transitions across the Army and the Air Force. These appointments mark a generational shift in command and are crucial for enhancing operational readiness, training effectiveness, and inter-services coordination.

Why in the News?

On 01 May 2025, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Training Command of the Indian Air Force. On the same day, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit took over as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), and Lt Gen Pratik Sharma assumed command as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command of the Indian Army.

Air Marshal Tejinder Singh – AOC-in-C, Training Command, IAF

• Took charge on 01 May 2025.
• Alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), and National Defence College (NDC).
• Commissioned on 13 June 1987 into the fighter stream.
• Holds 4500+ flying hours and is a Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor.
• Held key roles: Commanded Fighter Squadron, Radar Station, Premier Fighter Base, AOC J&K.
• Staff positions: Ops at Command HQ, ACAS Ops (Strategy), Dy Chief of Air Staff.
• Awards: Vayu Sena Medal (2007) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022).

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit – Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC)

• Took over as CISC on 01 May 2025 from Lt Gen JP Mathew.
• Alumnus of NDA, DSSC (Bangladesh), and NDC (Delhi).
• Commissioned into the fighter stream on 06 Dec 1986.
• Qualified Flying Instructor and Experimental Test Pilot with 3300+ flying hours on 20+ aircraft.
• Commanded Fighter Training Base; known for leadership in indigenous upgrades (Jaguar, MiG-27).
• Previously served as AOC-in-C, Central Air Command.
• Decorated with: Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), Vayu Sena Medal (VM).

Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar – Relinquished Command, Northern Command

• Retired from Northern Command on April, 30.
• Commissioned into 1 ASSAM Regiment on 8 June 1985.
• Commanded all formations (Battalion to Corps) in J&K.
• Focused on border security, counter-terrorism ops, and community engagement (e.g., Operation Sadhbhavna).

Lt Gen Pratik Sharma – New GOC-in-C, Northern Command

• Took over on 01 May 2025.
• Alumnus of NDA, IMA Dehradun, DSSC Wellington, NDC Delhi.
• Commissioned into the MADRAS Regiment in Dec 1987.
• Commanded Infantry units along LoC, Strike Corps in Western Sector.
• Former Director General of Military Operations and Dy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy).

Significance

• Strengthens the Indian Armed Forces’ operational leadership across vital commands.
• Reflects strategic emphasis on inter-services synergy and combat readiness.
• Ensures continuity and evolution of training, technology integration, and counter-insurgency strategies.