New Delhi: Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai appointed as Military Adviser to NSCS has emerged as a major development in India’s national security structure.
The Indian Army’s Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, has been appointed as the new Military Adviser (MA) to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). Notably, he is the first serving military officer to be appointed to this position since the post was revived in 2018.
Key Highlights of the Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai Appointment
- Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai has been appointed as the new Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).
- He is currently serving as the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy).
- He earlier served as the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO).
- He becomes the first serving three-star officer to hold the Military Adviser position.
- The appointment marks a significant shift in India’s national security framework.
- He will succeed General N.S. Raja Subramani, who recently took over as India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
Why This Appointment Is Significant
The Military Adviser to the NSCS acts as an important link between the armed forces and the country’s national security decision-making system.
Traditionally, the post has been held by retired senior military officers. Since the revival of the position in 2018, former holders included retired officers such as Lt Gen Vinod Khandare, General Anil Chauhan, Air Marshal Sandeep Singh, and General N.S. Raja Subramani.
Lt Gen Ghai’s appointment breaks this trend because he remains an active serving officer with operational responsibilities and recent field experience.
Who is Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai?
Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai is a distinguished serving General Officer of the Indian Army. He currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) and has been appointed as the Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) as of June 2026.
Military Career Highlights
- Commissioning: He was commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment on December 16, 1989, from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.
- Command Appointments: Throughout his career, he has held significant leadership roles, including:
- Commanding an infantry battalion in the Western Sector.
- Leading an independent brigade in the Northern Sector.
- Serving as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 56th Infantry Division.
- Commanding the prestigious XV Corps (Chinar Corps) in Srinagar, where he oversaw counter-insurgency operations and security along the Line of Control.
- Strategic & Staff Roles: He served as the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), during which he spearheaded the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor. In June 2025, he assumed the role of Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy).
- Historic Appointment: In June 2026, he became the first serving three-star officer to be appointed as the Military Adviser to the NSCS, a position that serves as a vital link between the armed forces and India’s apex national security leadership.
Education and Honors
Lt Gen Ghai is an alumnus of Fergusson College (Pune), the Indian Military Academy, the Defence Services Staff College (Wellington), the Army War College (Mhow), and the National Defence College (New Delhi). He is also the Colonel of the Kumaon Regiment, the Kumaon Scouts, and the Naga Regiment.
His distinguished service has been recognized with numerous honors, including:
- Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM) (2025)
- Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) (2025)
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) (2023)
- Sena Medal (SM) (with three bars)
What is the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)?
The National Security Council Secretariat functions under the National Security Advisor (NSA) and supports India’s national security decision-making process.
Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic security planning.
- Military and defence assessments.
- Intelligence coordination.
- National security policy support.
- Crisis management and strategic analysis.
The NSCS serves as the backbone of India’s national security architecture and works closely with the Prime Minister’s Office, the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and various ministries.
Strategic Impact of the Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai Appointment
Security experts view this appointment as a move toward stronger military integration within India’s national security system.
Possible Advantages
- Real-time military inputs for policymakers.
- Better coordination between military and civilian security agencies.
- Faster strategic assessments during crises.
- Enhanced support for ongoing military modernization and theatre command reforms.
- Stronger linkage between operational military planning and national security policy.
