Maj Gen Sudhakar Jee, VSM (R)

Major General Sudhakar Jee, VSM (Retired) has had an illustrious military career spanning over 37 years. Commissioned into the Mahar Regiment in June 1983, he became the regiment’s colonel before superannuating in October 2020.

His academic journey began at Sainik School, Bhubaneswar, and culminated at the National Defence College, New Delhi, with notable stops at premier military institutions including the National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and College of Defence Management.

His extraordinary career encompassed service in diverse and challenging terrains, from the Himalayan heights to the Thar desert.

During the Kargil conflict's Operation Vijay, he led his company in the treacherous Siachen Glacier, successfully repelling enemy advances at altitudes from 19,000 feet to 22,000 feet in temperatures as low as –53°C. His leadership during Operation Parakram demonstrated tactical excellence across varied terrains.

He commanded a brigade in the Tawang sector and a division in eastern Ladakh, managing operations at altitudes up to 22,000 feet. As DDGMO, he handled critical “out of area contingencies” for India.

His international peacekeeping experience with the UN Mission in Sierra Leone (1998-99) showcased his diplomatic skills, where he successfully led demobilization and rehabilitation programmes for former rebels, including child soldiers.

Maj Gen Sudhakar played key roles in several critical missions: the 2001 Army mobilization after the Parliament terrorist attack, evacuation of Indians from Iraq (2014), supplying water to the Maldives (2014), and evacuating Indians from Yemen (2015).

Maj Gen Sudhakar has also served in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations in the northeast and Kashmir valley, during which his outstanding services have been widely recognized.

Honoured with the Vishisht Seva Medal, he received multiple commendations from Army chiefs and recognition from governors of Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. The Mirza Raja Jai Singh I Award (2023) further acknowledged his contributions.

Post-retirement, he served as a corporate leader in Oman and now contributes to strategic discourse as a distinguished fellow at CLAWS, distinguished fellow at STRIVE, and expert adviser to CUTS International. His writings and media appearances continue to enrich public understanding of geopolitical and security matters, with particularly in Indo-Pacific maritime security and India’s strategic ties.