New Delhi, April 30: Lieutenant General JP Mathew on Tuesday relinquished the appointment of Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, marking the culmination of nearly four decades of distinguished military service. On the day of his superannuation, Lt Gen Mathew paid homage to the nation’s fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and was later accorded a ceremonial Tri-Service Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns.
Lt Gen Mathew had assumed the charge of CISC in April 2023 and played a pivotal role in fostering jointness and synergy among the three Services. Under his leadership, significant strides were made in strengthening the Defence Cyber Agency and Defence Space Agency, thereby advancing India’s strategic capabilities in critical domains. A firm proponent of the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, he actively promoted collaboration with the Indian defence industry and academic institutions.
During his tenure, the General Officer spearheaded reforms across military education institutions such as the Defence Services Staff College, College of Defence Management, Military Institute of Technology, and the National Defence Academy. His focus on diversity and inclusion also led to increased participation of women in the Armed Forces. On the international front, Lt Gen Mathew represented the Indian Armed Forces at various multilateral forums and played an instrumental role in strengthening defence cooperation with neighbouring countries while enhancing capabilities in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
Commissioned into the Punjab Regiment in December 1985, Lt Gen Mathew went on to become the Colonel of the Regiment on January 9, 2022. For his exemplary service to the nation, he has been decorated with several prestigious honours including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.