Lt. Gen. Pratik Sharma is the new Northern Army Commander; changes at the top will initiate a series of changes in the top hierarchy in the Army and IAF.
New Appointments of Indian Armed Forces
1. Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force
Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari assumed the position of Vice Chief of the Air Staff on 2nd May 2025.
He completed his schooling at RIMC, Dehradun, and graduated from NDA, Khadakwasla in June 1985 with the President’s Gold Medal.
Commissioned as a Fighter Pilot in the IAF on 7th June 1986.
Has over 3600 flying hours on various aircraft.
Served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southwestern Air Command prior to this appointment.
Recipient of several prestigious awards: Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2025), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2022), and Vayu Sena Medal (2008).
2. Appointment of New Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC)
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit assumed the role of Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) on 01 May 2025, succeeding Lt Gen JP Mathew, who retired on 30 April 2025.
- Career Highlights: Nearly four decades of distinguished service with extensive command, staff, and instructional experience
- Awards:
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)
- Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM)
- Vayu Sena Medal (VM)
3. Appointment of Northern Army Commander
Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma has taken charge as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command of the Indian Army.
- Commissioned: December 1987 into the MADRAS Regiment
- Education:
- NDA, Khadakwasla
- Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
- Defence Services Staff College, Wellington
- National Defence College, New Delhi
- Operational Commands Held:
- Infantry Battalion, Brigade, and Division along the Line of Control
- A Strike Corps in the Western Sector
- Courses: Qualified on the Higher Command Course
4. Revamp of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)
The Union Government has restructured the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) to strengthen strategic planning and coordination.
- New Chairman: Alok Joshi (Former Chief of the Research and Analysis Wing – RAW)
- New Members Appointed:
- Military:
- Air Marshal P.M. Sinha (Former Western Air Commander)
- Lt Gen A.K. Singh (Former Southern Army Commander)
- Rear Admiral Monty Khanna
- Police:
- Rajiv Ranjan Verma (Retired IPS)
- Manmohan Singh (Retired IPS)
- Diplomacy:
- B Venkatesh Varma (Retired IFS Officer)
- Military:
