Lieutenant General Vijay B. Nair has officially taken charge as the Commandant of the Infantry School in Mhow as of May 1, 2026. This appointment reflects the Indian Army’s ongoing commitment to enhancing training standards and leadership development within its ranks.
Lt Gen Nair brings nearly four decades of distinguished military experience to this role. He was commissioned into the 21 Punjab regiment in June 1988 and has since held a variety of command, staff, and instructional positions throughout his career. His extensive command experience includes leadership of a Brigade under the Desert Strike Corps, the Leh Sub Area, and the Tiger Division in Jammu & Kashmir, as well as the Vajra Corps in Punjab.
In addition to his command responsibilities, Lt Gen Nair has gained rich operational experience through multiple tenures along the Line of Control (LoC) and has been involved in counter-terrorism operations in Jammu & Kashmir. He also served with the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka, further broadening his operational expertise.
Within the realm of staff and instructional roles, Lt Gen Nair has held several prestigious positions, including Chief of Staff for both the Western and Northern Commands. He has also served as an instructor at the Army War College and the Defence Services Staff College, contributing to the professional development of future military leaders.
His international exposure includes serving in the Indian Military Training Team in Bhutan and holding a staff role in a United Nations multinational brigade mission. Lt Gen Nair’s contributions to the military have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), the Sena Medal (SM), multiple Army Commander’s Commendation Cards, and the UN Force Commander’s Commendation.
An accomplished academic, Lt Gen Nair is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, the College of Defence Management in Secunderabad, and the National Defence College. His extensive background and achievements position him well to advance the mission of the Infantry School and the broader goals of the Indian Army.
