Lt Gen Pawan Chadha Takes Command of 111 Area, Strengthening Eastern Theatre Leadership
In a notable ceremony held yesterday, Lieutenant General Pawan Chadha assumed the role of General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 111 Area. He succeeds Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, who serves as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command. The event featured the symbolic exchange of insignia, highlighting a smooth transition in leadership within one of India's key operational regions.
Lieutenant General Tiwari, a highly decorated officer, has previously commanded the 17th Infantry Division along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). His tenure as Chief of Staff of the South Western Command and his leadership in counter-insurgency operations in Assam, along with high-altitude warfare in Jammu & Kashmir, have earned him the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal.
Lieutenant General Chadha brings a wealth of expertise to his new role, having commanded strategically significant areas including Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa. His visit to Vadodara in March 2025 underscored his commitment to fortifying rear-area security, an essential component for uninterrupted operations. Experts suggest that Chadha's distinguished career equips him to enhance regional cooperation and defense readiness within the Eastern Command.
This transition in leadership highlights the Indian Army's dedication to merit-based advancement, with more than 85% of senior positions attained through exceptional operational performance. The handover ceremony, conducted under the national flag, epitomizes the Army’s steadfast values of discipline, honor, and preparedness.
The Eastern Command remains a crucial entity in the defense of India's northeastern borders, with further insights into the new GOC's strategic objectives anticipated in the weeks ahead.
