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Lt Gen Manoj Katiyar Retires After 40 Years of Distinguished Army Service

Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar will superannuate from the Indian Army on March 31, concluding a service career spanning over 40 years. He served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the prestigious Western Command since July 2023. His distinguished career included command roles in critical areas like Siachen and staff appointments such as Director General of Military Operations. Lt Gen Katiyar has been honoured with several top military awards including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Uttam Yudh Seva Medal.

Key Points: Lt Gen Manoj K. Katiyar Retires from Indian Army

  • Four-decade military career ends
  • Served as Western Command chief
  • Held key roles like DGMO
  • Decorated with top service medals
  • Focused on operational readiness & welfare
2 min read

Western Command GoC-in-C Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar to retire on March 31 after four decades of distinguished service

Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, GOC-in-C Western Command, retires after over four decades of service, having held key operational and staff appointments.

"It has been an honour to serve the Indian Army and be at the helm of Western Command. - Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar"

Chandigarh, March 30

Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, will superannuate from the Indian Army on March 31, bringing to a close an illustrious military career spanning over four decades.

Commissioned into the 23rd Battalion of the Rajput Regiment in June 1986, Lt Gen Katiyar has served across diverse and challenging operational environments, including the Siachen Glacier, the Line of Control and the Line of Actual Control.

Before taking over as Western Command chief on July 1, 2023, he held several key appointments, including Director General of Military Operations at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Army) and Commander of the elite 1 Corps.

He also served as Colonel of the Rajput Regiment from February 2022 to December 2025.

An alumnus of Sainik School Ghorakhal, the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, Lt Gen Katiyar is also a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College, and a Distinguished Graduate of the National War College, United States.

Over the course of his career, he held multiple command, staff and instructional roles, including command of infantry units in Uri and Taksing, an Infantry Brigade along the western borders, and a Reserve Mountain Division along the northern borders.

In recognition of his distinguished service, he has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2025), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (2025), and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (2021).

In his farewell address, Lt Gen Katiyar described it as an honour to serve the Indian Army and lead the Western Command, one of its most prestigious formations."It has been an honour to serve the Indian Army and be at the helm of Western Command. Our formations performed exceedingly well during operations, and we continue to remain prepared for any contingency."

He highlighted efforts towards enhancing operational capabilities, including the fabrication of armed drones, and improving facilities for personnel, families and veterans."Our focus has been on improving habitat, schools, colleges and hospitals for our personnel and their families. Western Command has also received strong support from civil administration and local populations."

Lt Gen Katiyar also expressed gratitude to soldiers, paramilitary forces, civil administration and media for their continued support."As I bid adieu to the Army, I thank all soldiers, BSF, CAPFs, civil administration, local population and media for their unwavering support."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
What an incredible career trajectory. From Sainik School to commanding the Western Command. The awards speak for themselves - PVSM, UYSM, AVSM. It's reassuring to know our borders are guarded by leaders of such calibre. Thank you for your service, Sir.
R
Rohit P
His mention of armed drones is key. Modern warfare is changing and we need to keep pace. Glad to see senior leadership thinking about future tech. Also, good to hear he acknowledged the local population's support. Civil-military relations are crucial.
P
Priya S
While we celebrate his service, his tenure as Western Command chief was less than two years. Is the high turnover at the top of our commands affecting long-term strategic planning? Just a thought. Nevertheless, a stellar career worthy of respect.
V
Vikram M
A Rajput Regiment officer through and through! Col of the Regiment and commissioned into the 23rd Battalion. These regiments have such a proud history. His service in Uri and Taksing would have been extremely challenging. Hats off to the General.
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Michael C
The part about improving schools and hospitals for personnel families is often overlooked. Soldiers can focus on duty when they know their families are taken care of. A leader who understands the human element. Well done, Lt Gen Katiyar.

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