Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain Takes Charge of Southern Command

Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain took command of the Southern Command on Wednesday, succeeding Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, who now serves as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. Jain, a National Defence Academy alumnus, was commissioned into the MAHAR Regiment in 1988.

Over a career spanning almost four decades, Lieutenant General Jain has held various command and staff roles across numerous operational terrains, according to an official release. His experience includes commanding an Infantry Battalion in semi-developed areas and on a United Nations mission in South Sudan, an Infantry Brigade in a Strike Corps, a Counter Insurgency Force, and a pivot corps in Northern Command.

His operational portfolio also includes participation in Operation Pawan, duties as a Military Observer with the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia, and multiple assignments in high-altitude locations and counter-insurgency operations along the Line of Control and the North East. As Colonel of the MAHAR Regiment, he previously served as Chief of Staff at Headquarters Southern Command, enhancing capability development and operational preparedness.

Recognized for his dedicated service, Lieutenant General Jain has been honored with the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Sena Medal. Upon taking command, he paid homage to fallen soldiers at the Southern Command War Memorial and received a Guard of Honour.

He emphasized that the Command would continue its focus on operational readiness across its extensive responsibility areas, including deserts, the Rann and Creek Sector, coastline, island territories, and hinterland. Lt. Gen. Jain emphasized jointness, indigenous capability development, and technological absorption, directing all ranks to uphold high standards of preparedness and combat readiness amidst evolving challenges.