NEW DELHI: Lieutenant General JP Mathew, one of India’s most distinguished military officers, officially relinquished the appointment of Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) today upon his superannuation, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades in the Indian Army.
On the day of his retirement, Lt Gen Mathew paid homage to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
A Tri-Service Guard of Honour was also accorded to him on the South Block lawns, symbolizing the respect and gratitude of the armed forces for his service.
Since assuming charge as CISC in April 2023, Lt Gen Mathew had been at the forefront of strengthening jointness and operational synergy among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Under his leadership, critical strides were made in expanding the Defence Cyber Agency and Defence Space Agency, enhancing India’s preparedness in these crucial and emerging domains.
A firm advocate of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision, Lt Gen Mathew played a key role in forging stronger ties between the military, defence industry, and academia. His tenure saw major reforms across various premier defence training institutions including the Defence Services Staff College, College of Defence Management, Military Institute of Technology, and the National Defence Academy.
He also actively promoted diversity and inclusion, encouraging the increased participation of women in the armed forces.
Lt Gen Mathew also represented India in various international defence forums, enhancing regional defence cooperation, and strengthening the Armed Forces’ capacity for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
Commissioned into the Punjab Regiment in December 1985, Lt Gen Mathew was appointed as the Colonel of the Regiment on January 9, 2022.
His dedication and meritorious service have been recognized through the conferral of several high military honours, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and the Vishisht Seva Medal.
Lt Gen Mathew’s retirement marks the departure of a visionary leader who left an indelible mark on India’s defence ecosystem, particularly in the domains of strategic integration, technological advancement, and operational reform.
