VSM Lt Gen JBS Yadava (Retd)

Lt. Gen. J.B.S. Yadava's military career spans an impressive 41 years of service in the Indian Army, culminating in his role as Deputy Chief of Army Staff (DCOAS) in 2005. A graduate of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Military Academy (IMA), he was commissioned into the 5/11 Gorkha Rifles in August 1964. Over the years, he has made his mark in some of India's most significant military operations. He fought in the 1965 Indo-Pak War in the Sialkot Sector and was wounded in the 1971 War for the Liberation of Bangladesh, earning the Vir Chakra for gallantry in the Battle of Govindganj. His leadership extended to counter-insurgency operations in Nagaland and Mizoram, and as Brigade Commander in Punjab (1990-92), he played a critical role in restoring democracy in the region. Lt. Gen. Yadava's leadership continued as he commanded the 8 Mountain Division in the Srinagar Valley (1996-98) and the 16 Corps in Jammu (2001-02), helping to restore peace and facilitate democratic elections. His extensive contributions have had a lasting impact on national security and governance. Beyond the battlefield, Lt. Gen. Yadava represented India in military diplomacy, leading delegations to the USA, UN, France, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Zambia, Lebanon, and Eritrea. A scholar as well, he holds an MSc, MPhil, and PhD in Military Science and is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and National Defence College (NDC). Post-retirement, Lt. Gen. Yadava has remained active in public service and corporate roles while continuing to write and speak extensively on military and strategic issues. His legacy is one of dedication, courage, and an unwavering commitment to India's defence and governance.