Lt Gen Sanjay Mitra Takes Charge as Central Command GOC-in-C in Lucknow

Lieutenant General Sanjay Mitra, AVSM, took over as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command on October 1, 2026, beginning his tenure at the helm of Surya Command.

On assuming charge, the Army Commander paid homage to the Bravehearts at the Smritika War Memorial at Lucknow Military Station, where he honoured their courage and supreme sacrifice. He then reviewed the Guard of Honour at a ceremonial parade.

In his message after taking command, Lt Gen Mitra reaffirmed his focus on maintaining the highest standards of operational readiness across Central Command. He also stressed the need to strengthen strategic responsiveness and expand multi-domain capabilities across the theatre.

He extended greetings and best wishes to all ranks, Veer Naris, veterans, Defence Civilian Employees and families of Surya Command, acknowledging their contribution to the strength and spirit of the formation. He also reiterated his commitment to their welfare, morale and professional growth.

The new Commander called for a continued pursuit of excellence across the Command and underlined the need to remain highly prepared to meet emerging challenges.

Lt Gen Sanjay Mitra was commissioned into the Grenadiers from the Indian Military Academy on June 10, 1989. Over a military career spanning more than three decades, he has held a range of command and staff appointments.

His field experience includes command of an Infantry Battalion, Infantry Brigade and Infantry Division along the Line of Control in Northern Jammu and Kashmir and the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh. His instructional assignments have included a tenure as an instructor at the Commando School, Belgaum, and as Chief Instructor (Army) at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.

He has also served as a Squadron Commander in the National Security Guard and as Colonel General Staff in the Faculty of Studies at the Army War College.

After being promoted to Lieutenant General in 2023, he took command of I Corps on June 9, 2023. He relinquished that appointment on June 17, 2025, and later moved to Army Headquarters as Director General of Operational Logistics & Strategic Movement.

Lt Gen Mitra has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and has also received the Chief of Army Staff and Army Commander Commendations.

With his assumption of command, Central Command begins a new phase under his leadership, with continued emphasis on operational preparedness, strategic responsiveness, multi-domain capabilities and the welfare and professional development of personnel and their families.