Arvinder Singh Lamba
Arvinder Singh Lamba is a retired officer of The INDIAN Army who served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff from 6 December 2010 to 30 September 2011. He previously commanded the XXI Corps and later led the Army Training Command at Shimla.
Early life and education
Lamba is an alumnus of the National DeFence Academy at Khadakwasla and the Indian Military Academy. He later attended the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom. He holds a Ph.D., an M.Phil., and an M.A. in International Affairs from King's College London.
Military career
Lamba was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery in June 1971 and saw ACTIVE combat in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. He also served with the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka during Operation Pawan and held staff and instructional appointments.
From May 2008 to May 2009, he served as the General Officer Commanding of XXI Corps based in Bhopal.
He assumed command of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) on 1 October 2009. During his tenure, he modernized training doctrine to meet emerging threats and technologies.
On 6 December 2010, he was appointed as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, the second-highest position in the Indian Army, and served until his retirement on 30 September 2011.
Post-retirement
Following his retirement, Lamba joined several think tanks and strategic policy forums. He serves as President of the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) and is affiliated with the South Asia and Middle East Forum (SAMDeS), engaging in Track II dialogues across Asia.
Awards and decorations
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)