| The current DGMO is Lt. Gen Rajiv Ghai, 2024 saw him appointed to this position. For roles like operation, he is one of the highest rank officers serving the longest till recently. Previousy, he worked as a commander along LAC and J&K region of the super sensitive tasked conflict areas of the country. He is responsible for the management of regions and border domain. He is well known for anti-terror operations, counter-terrorism and strategic planning. |
The DGMO, also known as the Director General of Military Operations, is a high rank position of a Lieut General in the Indian Army. The important highlights are tabulated below:
What are the Powers of DGMO?
Holding among the highest positions in military operations, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) is a crucial participant in the Indian Army. As a three-star Lieutenant General, the DGMO guarantees the army is ready for action and oversees planning and execution of military operations.
- This role entails managing military movements throughout the nation and organizing activities during quiet as well as turbulent times.
- Making their opinions essential for military and security issues, the DGMO closely collaborates with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and coordinates with the Ministry of Defence and the Prime Minister’s Office. Usually the DGMO is the one providing the government and recommending next actions during times of crisis.
The DGMO is essential for controlling border issues, particularly with sensitive neighbors like Pakistan and China, in terms of national security. - They also operate the India-Pakistan DGMO hotline, which helps to calm conflicts and oversee ceasefire agreements.
- Counter-insurgency operations depend critically on the DGMO, which also reacts to cross-border attacks or large terrorist acts.
- The DGMO is regarded as a major actor in safeguarding India's military interests and preserving the region's stability because of their key role in operations and coordination.
Roles and Responsibilities of DGMO
- Supervises all the fighting activities and even acts as the Indian Army strategist, all this during the India peacetime and wartime expectation.
- He monitors Indian borders with Pakistan, China and other sensitive regions. Troop movement, operational readiness are one of his main works.
- Works in close coordination with the Ministry of Defence, Air Force, and Navy, especially during joint operations.
- He is in charge of special military operations such as planning, executing surgical strikes, anti-terrorism, and counter-insurgency.
- He deals at a topside level of Pakistan in sensitive cease fire violations, border tension loves to openly talk to DGMO.
- He strategizes and develops structures for emergency managing national conflict deciding immediately sustaining importance and pressure.
- Indian Army's ongoing operations and planning, risks and threats as regularly briefed with Chief of Army Staff, Defence Minister and Prime Minister's Office.
Role in Wartime
- Directs combat strategy
- Coordinates with defence ministry
- Operational command for nationwide deployments
Role in Peacetime
- Monitoring LoC and LAC
- Internal security strategy
- Joint exercises and operations
International Role
- Coordinates through the India-Pakistan DGMO Hotline
- Facilitates ceasefire talks and crisis communication
DGMO Salary
The important salary highlights are tabulated below:
Check more: Vikram Misri Salary 2025
How to Become DGMO in Indian Army?
You must note that there is no direct recruitment for the position of DGMO. One becomes a DGMO by promotion.
| Rank Requirement is that he must be a serving Lieutenant General with proven experience in operations and strategy |
Can a Colonel or Brigadier Become a DGMO?
| A Colonel or Brigadier cannot directly become DGMO; one must be promoted to Lieutenant General with exceptional operational and strategic experience. The process usually follows: Lieutenant → Captain → Major → Lt. Colonel → Colonel → Brigadier → Major General → Lieutenant General |
Comparison with Pakistan DGMO
The detailed comparison table is below:
Particulars | DGMO India | DGMO Pakistan |
What is the rank? | Lieutenant General (3-star) | Major General (2-star) |
Reports to | Chief of Army Staff | Chief of Army Staff |
Salary per month | Rs 2.5–3 lakh (INR) incl. allowances | Rs 1.06 lakh – 1.51 lakh |
Communication Plan | Weekly hotline with Pak DGMO, direct crisis contact | Hotline with Indian DGMO, direct crisis contact |
How are they selected? | Senior-most, extensive operational experience, selected by the Army Chief & the Defence Ministry | Senior-most operational expertise, selected by the Army Chief |
Work Profile |
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