Lieutenant General Rakesh Kapoor, AVSM, VSM, is an accomplished senior officer of the Indian Army and a distinguished graduate of St. Stephen's College, Delhi University. Commissioned into the elite 63 Cavalry in December 1987, he has served in key command and staff appointments across diverse terrains — from the Rann of Kutch to the super high-altitude regions of the Eastern Sector.

He has served as Advisor to the Botswana Defence Force, where he was instrumental in raising an Armoured Brigade and formulating doctrines for mechanised operations. He has also represented India internationally as part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Military Experts Working Group.

An alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington; Higher Defence Management College, Secunderabad; and the U.S. Army War College, Pennsylvania, Lt Gen Kapoor holds advanced degrees including:

• M.Phil. in Strategy and Security Studies – University of Madras
• Master’s in Defence Studies – University of Pennsylvania
• Master’s in Management Studies – Osmania University

In recognition of his exemplary service, Lt Gen Kapoor has been awarded:

• Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)
• Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM)
• Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card
• Commander-in-Chief, Strategic Forces Command Commendation Card

On 9 June 2023, Lt Gen Kapoor was appointed as the Deputy Chief of the Army Staff, Indian Army.