
Ved Prakash Malik
Former Chief of Indian Army
Hon’ble General Ved Prakash Malik, PVSM, AVSM, served as the 18th Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army from October 1, 1997, to September 30, 2000. Born on November 1, 1939, his illustrious career spanned over four decades, marked by distinguished service and pivotal leadership, most notably during the Kargil War.
General Malik’s tenure as Army Chief coincided with the 1999 Kargil War, where he played a crucial role in planning, coordinating, and overseeing Operation Vijay. This military operation was instrumental in successfully evicting Pakistani military intrusion in the Kargil sector, a significant victory that re-established India’s territorial integrity. Concurrently, he also held the prestigious position of Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee, for two years, from January 1999 to September 2000.
Beyond his direct command, General Malik has contributed significantly to strategic thought and military diplomacy. He is the author of two notable books: “Kargil: From Surprise to Victory” and “India’s Military Conflicts and Diplomacy: An Inside View of Decision Making.” These publications offer invaluable insights into India’s defense challenges and military decision-making processes. His leadership and contributions have been recognized with esteemed awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), the highest national awards for distinguished military service in India. Post-retirement, he has continued to be an influential voice on strategic and security issues, serving as a member of the National Security Advisory Board for two terms and addressing various civil and military institutions.