Lt Gen RC Tiwari assumes Eastern Army Command, successor to Lt Gen RP Kalita

Amidst the dynamic shifts in military leadership, Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, a decorated officer, is set to assume the pivotal role of Eastern Army Commander. Commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment in 1987, his wealth of experience and distinguished service, marked by the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Sena Medal (SM), positions him strategically. This appointment follows the impending superannuation of Lt Gen RP Kalita on December 31. 

Lt Gen Tiwari, presently in command of the Uttar Bharat Area and a former leader of the 3 Corps (Spear Corps), brings a robust background in both conventional and Counter-Insurgency operations. Trained at prestigious institutions like the National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, College of Defence Management, and the National Defence College, his diverse skill set aligns seamlessly with the demands of the Eastern Army Commander role. 

Transition of command and strategic vision 

Before this pivotal appointment, Lt Gen Tiwari served as the chief of staff at the headquarters of the south-western command in Jaipur, showcasing administrative prowess. His stint as the General Officer Commanding of Spear Corps, succeeding Lt Gen JP Mathew, further demonstrated his strategic vision. As the mantle passes from Lt Gen RP Kalita, who leaves an indelible mark on the Eastern Command, the Indian Army anticipates continuity in leadership and operational acumen.

In his extensive career, Lt Gen RP Kalita, commissioned in the 9 Kumaon Regiment in 1984, contributed significantly to various military operations. From leading a Rashtriya Rifles Battalion in Jammu & Kashmir to commanding a Mountain Brigade and an Infantry Division, his operational experience spans the spectrum. A recipient of PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, and VSM, he served in key staff appointments and had notable tenures in United Nations missions. 

Lt Gen Kalita's legacy is profound, marking him as the first Assamese to hold the charge of General Officer-Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command. His operational prowess and leadership, including roles in Op PAWAN in Sri Lanka and Op PARAKRAM & Op RAKSHAK in Jammu and Kashmir, have set a high standard. 

Notably, the transition in leadership from Lt Gen RP Kalita to Lt Gen RC Tiwari reflects the continuity of excellence within the Indian Army's Eastern Command. As Lt Gen Tiwari takes charge, his strategic insight and experience promise to uphold the traditions of distinguished leadership in this crucial command.