Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, has officially taken over as the 22nd Director General of the Assam Rifles, succeeding Lieutenant General Viresh Pratap Singh Kaushik. This transition, effective as of Thursday, marks a notable step in Lt Gen Lakhera’s distinguished military career.

Commissioned into the 4th Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry on June 9, 1990, Lt Gen Lakhera has garnered extensive experience and demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his career. His service has been particularly significant in the northeast region, including his tenure as the Inspector General of Assam Rifles in Nagaland.

Lt Gen Lakhera’s career has been distinguished by numerous accolades, including the Ati Vishist Seva Medal (AVSM), Sena Medal (SM), and multiple commendation cards from the Chief of Army Staff and Army Commander. These awards underscore his dedication and contributions to the Indian Army.

Academically, Lt Gen Lakhera holds advanced degrees from prestigious institutions, including a Master of Science from Madras University, a Master of Arts from King’s College London, and a Masters in Management Studies from Osmania University. He is also a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, the Higher Defence Management Course at the College of Defence Management, Secunderabad, and the National Defence Course at The Royal College of Defence Studies, London.

Before his current role, Lt Gen Lakhera served as the Additional Director General of Military Operations (ADGMO), managing information warfare. His operational background includes significant counterinsurgency and counterterrorism efforts in Jammu & Kashmir and the northeast.

As the new Director General of the Assam Rifles, Lt Gen Lakhera is expected to continue the force’s mission of maintaining peace and security in the northeast and addressing challenges such as infiltration and smuggling from the Myanmar border.