Meet Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh: Para SF and IX Corps Commander Conferred Ati Vishisht Seva Medal by President of India

In a proud moment for the Indian Armed Forces, Lt General Pushpendra Pal Singh, the elite 4 Para (Special Forces) and the current General Officer Commanding (GOC) of IX Corps, has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) by the President of India. The prestigious decoration was presented at Rashtrapati Bhavan in recognition of his “distinguished service of an exceptional order” during peacetime operations.

A Career Forged in the Crucible of Special Forces

Lt Gen Singh’s military journey began in the elite 4 Para (SF), one of the most respected and battle-hardened Special Forces battalions of the Indian Army. Known for high-risk counter-insurgency operations and daring cross-border missions, 4 Para (SF) demands the highest standards of physical endurance, mental toughness, and tactical acumen—traits that would define the General’s approach to leadership throughout his career.

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Over the years, Lt Gen Singh’s roles have spanned from commanding troops in challenging terrains to shaping strategic policy at the highest levels. Prior to leading IX Corps, he held crucial appointments at the Infantry School, Mhow, where he mentored the next generation of infantry leaders, and at the Strategic Forces Command, the tri-services unit tasked with managing India’s nuclear arsenal — underscoring his grasp over both tactical and strategic domains.

Leading the Rising Star Corps

Since assuming command of the IX Corps (Rising Star Corps) in 2022, Lt Gen Singh has steered one of the Indian Army’s most strategically placed formations, headquartered at Chandimandir, Haryana. The Corps covers key frontier areas including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Jammu & Kashmir, playing a vital role in ensuring border security and readiness against evolving threats.

Under his leadership, IX Corps has achieved exceptional operational preparedness, boosted troop morale, and enhanced civil-military cooperation in border districts. His proactive approach to infrastructure development, welfare of soldiers, and integration of modern warfare tactics has received widespread appreciation within military circles.

About the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal

Instituted on January 26, 1960, the AVSM is awarded for “distinguished service of an exceptional order” to all ranks of the armed forces during peacetime. The decoration symbolizes professional excellence, dedication, and a lifetime of selfless service to the nation. The medal features a silver-gilt five-pointed star on one side and the Lion Capital of Ashoka on the reverse.

Conferring the AVSM is a deeply ceremonial act, with the President of India, as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, presiding over the event. The 2025 investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan was attended by the three service chiefs, top military officials, decorated and proud families — a solemn celebration of courage, duty, and honour.

A Beacon of Modern Military Leadership

Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh’s recognition comes at a pivotal time as the Indian Army embraces transformation — from conventional warfare to integrated, tech-driven, and joint operations with sister services. In this evolving landscape, officers with both field combat experience and strategic foresight are essential to lead from the front.

His decorated service in Special Forces, command of operationally critical formations, and tenure in nuclear command structures make him one of the most versatile leaders in uniform today.

An Inspiration to Future Warriors

From the rugged training grounds of 4 Para (SF) to the commanding heights of Corps-level leadership, Lt Gen Singh’s journey reflects a life devoted to the Army’s core values — duty, honour, and country. His AVSM award is not just a personal accolade but a reaffirmation of the Indian Army’s tradition of recognizing excellence, sacrifice, and integrity.

As he continues to lead from the front, Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh remains a powerful symbol of what dedicated service to the nation truly looks like — inspiring countless young officers and soldiers across India’s defence forces.