Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, who Pakistan contacted for ceasefire, appointed Deputy Chief of Army Staff
Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai will continue to serve in his current role as Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)
Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, who Pakistan contacted for a ceasefire during India’s strikes on Pakistani airbases in Operation Sindoor, has been appointed as the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy).
Lt. Gen Ghai will continue to serve in his current role as Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), the Ministry of Defence announced on Monday, June 9.
Who are DGMOs and Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy)?
The DGMOs are senior officials of Indian Army, usually of the rank of Lieutenant General, responsible for overseeing all military operations in India and along its borders.
Meanwhile, Lt. General Ghai's new role — Deputy Chief (Strategy) — is a relatively new but a critical position within the Indian Army, created to oversee key branches such as the Operations and Intelligence Directorates. It is regarded as one of the most significant appointments in the Army’s strategic command structure, reported PTI.
Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai's military career
Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai took charge as the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) on October 25 last year. A senior officer from the Kumaon Regiment, Lt. Gen Ghai has held several key operational commands throughout his career.
Before his current role, Lt Gen Ghai served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Chinar Corps, where he led critical counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir. His leadership in high-pressure environments has earned him wide recognition.
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.
Lt Gen Ghai had then, during his Manipur visit, stressed the importance of a "whole-of-government approach" to manage security challenges in the region. Discussions focused on normalising the prevailing situation, enhancing border management, and strengthening security infrastructure along the IMB, according to a prior statement from the Ministry of Defence.