Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh, Colonel of Parachute regiment takes over as VCOAS
Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh has taken over as the next Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) of India, on August 1, 2025. He succeeds Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, who had taken up the role of VCOAS on July 1, 2024 and retired on 31 July 25.
Lt Gen Singh who also holds the honorary post of Colonel of the Parachute Regiment brings more than 35 years of distinguished service to his new appointment.
An alumnus of the esteemed Indian Military Academy, he was commissioned into the elite 4 Para (Special Forces) regiment in December 1987, marking the beginning of a career characterized by operational brilliance and leadership across various strategic assignments.
Over the decades, Lt Gen Singh has held several key positions within the Indian Army, contributing significantly to its modernization and operational capabilities
His had rich experience with the 4 Para (SF) which got transformed into PASHUPATASTRA for the Country. He eventually Commanded 4 the Pashupatastra which imparted him with specialised skills in high-risk operations, unconventional warfare, and counter-insurgency campaigns, making him a respected figure within both the Army and the broader defence community.
His leadership style is known to balance operational excellence with a strong commitment to troop welfare.
The transition in Army leadership comes alongside significant reshuffles within the Indian Navy: Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS) since May 1, 2024, is poised to take charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. In turn, Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan will take over as the new VCNS, also effective August 1, 2025.
Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh’s elevation to VCOAS is seen as a right move, given his rich combat experience and extensive service record. Known for his operational vision and commitment to professional military ethics, he is widely expected to further strengthen the Army’s core mission and adaptive capabilities in response to emerging security challenges. The Vice Chief plays a critical role in shaping operational policies, strategic planning, and with his control on the Army’s budget also the ongoing transformation efforts within the Indian Army.
