Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai: Key Figure in Operation Sindoor

Introduction to Lt General Rajiv Ghai

Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) for the Indian Army, has garnered significant attention following Operation Sindoor. His composed demeanor during the press briefing, along with his articulate responses to journalists, has earned him widespread acclaim. Alongside him, other notable officers such as Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod, and Major General S.S. Sharda were also recognized for their contributions during the briefing.

Background of Lt General Rajiv Ghai

Taking on the role of DGMO on October 25, 2024, Lt. General Ghai previously served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GoC) of the Chinnar Corps. With over thirty years of distinguished military service, he has extensive experience in Jammu and Kashmir and along the Line of Control (LoC). His exemplary service has been acknowledged with several military honors, including the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and Sena Medal (SM). Ghai is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, the Army College in Mau, and the National Defence College in Delhi, and he graduated from the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, being commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment in December 1989.

Military Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Lt. General Ghai has held various significant positions, including Colonel General Staff for a counter-insurgency division in Jammu and Kashmir and Brigadier at the Military Operations Directorate at Army Headquarters. He has also commanded a battalion in the Western Sector and a brigade on the Northern Border. In his first address, he emphasized the importance of collaboration among military, civil administration, and society to effectively combat terrorism and promote development.

Responsibilities as DGMO

In his capacity as DGMO, Lt. General Ghai is tasked with overseeing military operations, including combat and counter-terrorism efforts. He collaborates with various government ministries and services, serving as the primary military contact with Pakistan's DGMO. Recently, he visited Manipur on February 24 and 25, 2025, to assess the security situation along the Indo-Myanmar border.

During the briefing on Operation Sindoor, Lt. General Ghai detailed the success of the armed forces in targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He addressed ceasefire violations by Pakistan and the discussions held at the DGMO level between the two nations. Ghai reaffirmed India's stance against terrorism sponsored by Pakistan, stating, "We have thus far exercised immense restraint, and our actions have been focused, measured, and non-escalatory. However, any threat to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and safety of our citizens will be met with decisive force."