New Leadership for the Indian Army: Lieutenant General Mohanty Takes Over

Lieutenant General Chandi Prasad Mohanty is set to become the new Vice-Chief of Army Staff on February 1, 2021, succeeding the outgoing Lt General SK Saini. This appointment places him in the second-highest-ranking position within the Indian Army, a role that involves acting as the deputy head of the force.

A Career of Extensive Experience

 Lt Gen Mohanty's career is marked by a wide range of operational and administrative experience across diverse and challenging terrains. An alumnus of the Rashtriya Indian Military College and the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the Rajput Regiment in June 1982.

His field experience is extensive, with service along both the Pakistan and China borders. He has also been deeply involved in counter-insurgency operations in India's Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir.

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Mohanty commanded a battalion in these regions, a Mountain Division in the Northeast, and a Mountain Brigade along the Indo-China border. Notably, he also commanded a strategically important Corps in the Eastern Theatre in the aftermath of the Doklam standoff.

Beyond domestic operations, Lt Gen Mohanty has served internationally, commanding a multinational brigade in the Republic of Congo and acting as a Military Advisor to the government of Seychelles. His distinguished service also includes key staff appointments, such as Director-General of Operational Logistics and Strategic Movement at the Integrated Headquarters of the Defence Ministry.

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An Expert in His Field

 Academically, Lt Gen Mohanty is a scholar with an M.Phil and a management degree. He has conducted extensive research on South Asia, China, and North East India, making him a recognized expert in these regions. 

His educational background includes graduating from the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the prestigious National Defence College in New Delhi, underscoring his intellectual and strategic acumen.