Lieutenant General Girish Kalia Assumes Leadership of Territorial Army

Lieutenant General Girish Kalia has officially assumed the role of Director General of the Territorial Army (TA), initiating a pivotal leadership shift within the reserve force of the Indian Army. His assumption of office took place on December 1, 2025, during a ceremonial event at the TA Headquarters in New Delhi.

In one of his initial actions, he paid a heartfelt tribute to the nation's war heroes at the National War Memorial. Standing in front of the eternal flame inscribed as "Amar" (Immortal), he honored the ultimate sacrifices made by India's Bravehearts. The Indian Army's official X handle, @adgpi, published images from the ceremony, depicting Lieutenant General Kalia both seated with the ceremonial baton at his desk and in a moment of contemplation at the memorial.

Commissioned into the Madras Regiment on December 14, 1991, from the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, Lieutenant General Kalia brings over three decades of comprehensive operational and strategic expertise. His distinguished military career includes commanding the elite Vajr Division in 2023, serving as a Defence Attaché in Egypt to bolster India's military diplomacy, and receiving several honors. Among these are the GOC-in-C Northern Command Commendation Card in 2001, the Southern Command Commendation Card in 2009, and the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2020, awarded for leadership along the Line of Control.

In his capacity as Director General, Lieutenant General Kalia will oversee a volunteer reserve force consisting of nearly 40,000 personnel. The Territorial Army is crucial in relieving regular Army units from static duties, assisting civil authorities during natural calamities, and providing additional operational backing to the Indian Army.

Since its restructuring in 2020 by the Chief of Defence Staff, the TA has expanded its roles in operational readiness and intelligence support, thereby enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities efficiently in light of evolving regional security challenges, including the 2020-2022 China-India tensions.

Lieutenant General Kalia’s immediate act of homage at the National War Memorial underscores his dedication to the TA’s history, which includes participation in major conflicts such as the 1962 Sino-Indian War, the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pakistani Wars, and the 1999 Kargil War.

The Indian Army and the broader defense community have extended warm congratulations to Lieutenant General Kalia, with numerous social media accolades praising his exemplary leadership and service. As he takes command, there is anticipation for enhanced operational effectiveness and a more profound integration of the TA within India’s defense framework.