President Droupadi Murmu Presents Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal to Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai for Distinguished Military Service
President Droupadi Murmu awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM) to Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, SYSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM & Bar, during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-II) at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 29, 2026. This honour was in recognition of his remarkable service during military operations.
At the time of the award, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai held the position of Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), a role he assumed on June 10, 2025. In addition, he serves as the Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), a responsibility he undertook in June 2026.
Lt Gen Ghai began his military career with a commission into the Kumaon Regiment on December 16, 1989, after graduating from the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun. His educational background includes Fergusson College in Pune, Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, Army War College in Mhow, and National Defence College in New Delhi.
With a military career spanning over three decades, he has held a variety of command, staff, and instructional roles. Notably, he commanded the 56 Infantry Division and XV Corps (Chinar Corps) in Kashmir, gaining significant operational experience in both conventional warfare and counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir and the North East.
Lt Gen Ghai's career also includes important staff positions at the Military Operations Directorate, Integrated Defence Staff, and Northern Command. He has served as an instructor at the Infantry School in Mhow and Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, and as a staff officer with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
As Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), he was instrumental in planning and executing Operation Sindoor, managing the Indian Army's operational strategy during the mission.
The Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, the highest wartime distinguished service decoration of the Armed Forces, was presented to Lt Gen Ghai for his exceptional operational leadership and significant contributions to national security.
Before receiving this award, Lt Gen Ghai was honoured with the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and Sena Medal with two Bars, highlighting his sustained excellence and distinguished service throughout his career.
The presentation of the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal underscores a pivotal moment in Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai's illustrious military career, recognizing his outstanding leadership in bolstering India's defence preparedness and operational strength.
