Rajiv Ghai

Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, SYSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM*** is a senior general officer in the Indian Army serving as Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy). He previously served as the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO).^[2] He has held various command and strategic positions, particularly in the region of Jammu and Kashmir.^[3]

Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai SYSM UYSM AVSM SM***
Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy)
Incumbent
Assumed office 10 June 2025
Chief of Army Staff	Upendra Dwivedi
Preceded by	Pratik Sharma
Personal details
Alma mater	Indian Military Academy National Defence Academy[1]
Awards	Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal Uttam Yudh Seva Medal Ati Vishisht Seva Medal Sena Medal (Bar to Sena Medal & Bar)
Military service
Allegiance	India
Branch/service	Indian Army
Years of service	1989 - present
Rank	Lieutenant General
Unit	Kumaon Regiment

Career

Ghai has significant experience in counter-insurgency and border management, particularly along the Line of Control. He led Operation Sindoor and plays a key role in India–Pakistan ceasefire talks and confidence-building measures.^[4][5] As DGMO, he oversees strategic planning, military operations, and operational readiness of the Indian Army.^[5][6] On June 2025, he has been appointed as Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy).^[7]

Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai (second from left)

He explained India's layered air defence performance during operation Sindoor using an Australian cricket analogy. "If Thommo Don’t Get You, Lillee surely must". He also, systematically, explained the damage caused to Pakistan by Indian Army during Op Sindoor with an estimated 45-50 Pakistani soldiers being killed along the Line of Control. He has been conferred with the highest wartime distinguished award of SYSM on Independence Day 2025. ^[8]