MV Suchindra Kumar is a Lieutenant General of the Indian Army, who has served as the Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (Strategy). On 1 March 2023, he took over as the 45th Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) of the Indian Army.
Contents
Wiki/Biography
After completing his schooling at Sainik School, Bijapur, Karnataka, MV Suchindra Kumar appeared for the National Defense Academy (NDA) entrance examination and passed it. After completing a three-year military training module at the NDA in Pune, Maharashtra, he joined the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, Uttarakhand in 1984. There, he underwent a year’s training and joined the Indian Army in June 1985. Army, Suchindra Kumar obtained a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the Defense Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington, Tamil Nadu. Later, Suchindra Kumar attended the National Defense College (NDC) in New Delhi, where he earned a Master of Philosophy degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
Physical Appearance
Height (Approx): 5′ 10″
Hair Color: Salt and Pepper (Half Bald)
Eye colour: dark brown
Family
parents and siblings
There is not much information about his parents and siblings.
wife and children
His wife Asha Suchindra is an educationist and chairperson of Prerna. He has two children. His son Abhay is working in the finance sector in Singapore. His daughter Ananya is a doctor and is pursuing MS at SMS College, Jaipur.
livelihood
MV Suchindra Kumar was commissioned into the Indian Army in June 1985 as a Second Lieutenant in the 1st Battalion of the Assam Regiment. Soon after commissioning, he attended the Young Officers (YO) Course at the Army War College at Mhow. After being promoted to the rank of Major, Suchindra became the company commander. Later, he attended the Junior Command (JC) course at the Army War College in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. As a colonel, he commanded a battalion of the Assam Regiment. Later, he was posted to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, where he commanded the 59th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles (Assam) and participated in several counter-insurgency operations.
A photograph of MV Suchindra Kumar when he was commanding the 59th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles
Suchindra was later posted to the Military Secretary (MS) branch in New Delhi. He has also served at the United Nations (UN) as Sector Senior Operations Officer in the Transitional Authority in Cambodia. He was later deployed to Lesotho as a part of the training team sent by the Indian Army. Suchindra Kumar has attended several international military courses such as Cooperative Security in South Asia in Sri Lanka and the United Nations Senior Mission Leaders Course in Egypt. Subsequently, he served as an instructor at the Army War College in Mhow. After being promoted to the rank of Brigadier, MV Suchindra Kumar was posted to the Line of Control, where he commanded 120 Infantry Brigade. Subsequently, he was posted to the Dimapur-based 3 Corps (aka Spear Corps) operating under the Eastern Command of the Indian Army as a Brigadier General Staff (BGS). As a major general, he commanded an infantry division deployed along the Line of Control. Later, he was posted to New Delhi, where he held the post of Additional Director General of Military Intelligence (ADGMI) in the Directorate of Military Intelligence (MI).
MV Suchindra Kumar with Rear Admiral Emmanuel Slarse, Commander of French Joint Forces in the Indian Ocean Region, discussing bilateral military issues
After being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General, on 14 October 2020, he took charge of the White Knight Corps (also known as XVI Corps) at Nagrota, replacing Lieutenant General Harsh Gupta. It is believed that this corps was actively involved in counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir. In an interview after taking command of XVI Corps, Suchindra said,
It is a matter of pride and honor for me to hold such an important position with the rich history of Jammu and Kashmir.
MV Suchindra Kumar (left) taking over command from Lieutenant General Harsh Gupta
He served as the Corps Commander until 28 October 2021. MV Suchindra Kumar became the Colonel of the Regiment of Assam Regiment and Arunachal Scouts on 1 March 2021. On 28 October 2021, he was posted to New Delhi, where he assumed charge. Director General of Military Intelligence (DGMI). He served there till 1 July 2022. Suchindra Kumar replaced Lieutenant General Sanjeev Sharma as the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) at the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defense (Army) on 1 July 2022. Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS).
A photograph of Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar after assuming charge as DCOAS (Strategy)
MV Suchindra Kumar replaced Lieutenant General BS Raju as VCOAS and assumed office on 1 March 2023.
military decorations
- In January 2014, the Government of India awarded Suchindra Kumar the Yudh Seva Medal (YSM).
- He received the UNTAC Medal for his participation in the United Nations Mission in Cambodia.
- The Government of India awarded him the Sainik Seva Medal.
- Suchindra Kumar has also earned the Foreign Service Medal.
- He later received the Special Service Medal from the Government of India.
- The Government of India awarded him the General Service Medal.
- He was awarded the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation Card by the Indian Army.
- In January 2018, MV Suchindra Kumar received the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) from the Government of India.
- Suchindra Kumar was awarded another Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) in January 2019.
- Suchindra received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) from the Government of India in January 2022.
President Ram Nath Kovind presenting the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) to Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar.
Facts/General Knowledge
- In 2020, MV Suchindra participated in a bike expedition from Kargil to Karakoram Pass to celebrate Kargil Vijay Diwas. He was among the few army commanders to do so.
MV Suchindra Kumar (far right) with other Army commanders while riding a bike on the Karakoram Pass.
- MV Suchindra is fond of golf.
- To maintain his fitness, MV Suchindra Kumar practices yoga regularly. He has participated in several half marathons.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn