The Indian Army is set for a major leadership reshuffle at the top level from April 1, following the retirement of heads of two crucial operational commands — Western and Eastern.

Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, retired on Tuesday after completing a distinguished 40-year military career. He previously served as Director General of Military Operations at the Integrated Headquarters of the Defence Ministry (Army) and also commanded the Army’s I Corps, a premier strike formation.

Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh, currently serving as the Vice-Chief of the Army, is scheduled to take over as the new Western Army Commander. The Western Command is one of the Army’s most critical formations, responsible for guarding the Pakistan border across Jammu, Samba, Kathua, and Punjab.

Meanwhile, Lt Gen RC Tiwari, the Eastern Army Commander, also superannuated on Tuesday. He will be succeeded by Lt Gen VMB Krishnan, who has been promoted to the position.

In another key development, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, currently heading the Pune-based Southern Command, will assume charge as the Vice-Chief of the Army from April 1. An Armoured Corps officer commissioned in December 1986, he has held several important command and staff roles, including leading the Mathura-based XXI Strike Corps.

Following his elevation, Lt Gen Sandeep Jain, currently Chief of Staff at Southern Command, will take over as the new Southern Army Commander.

During his tenure, Lt Gen Katiyar led the Western Command during last year’s conflict with Pakistan and highlighted efforts to enhance operational readiness, including procurement of advanced equipment such as drones and counter-drone systems, along with in-house manufacturing capabilities.

Lt Gen Tiwari, during his time as Eastern Army Commander, played a significant role in strengthening operational preparedness in the eastern theatre. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he held several key command positions, including leading counter-insurgency operations, a mountain brigade in high-altitude regions, the elite Black Cat Division, and the 3 Corps in Nagaland.

The reshuffle marks a significant transition in the Army’s leadership, with new commanders set to take charge of critical operational responsibilities across key regions.