Indian Army Chief vs Pakistan Army Chief, Leadership, Power, and Profiles

Indian Army Chief vs Pakistan Army Chief are the two most powerful positions in the armies of India and Pakistan. Both of them serve as the chief commander of their respective armies, responsible for defence strategy and modernization. However, while the Chief of the Indian Army is under civilian control and professional military development, the Pakistan Army Chief has a greater role in political and defence decision-making. Here we compare the two Chiefs in terms of their profiles, leadership styles, areas of operation, strengths, and notable achievements. 

It also looks into the historical role of the Indian Army Chief vs Pakistan Army Chief during major conflicts in the region and their impact on national security. Overall, the article aims to provide a comprehensive view of the differences and similarities between these two top-ranking military officials from both countries.

Indian and Pakistan Army Chiefs

The army chief of India and the Pakistan Army Chief are some of the most powerful, prestigious and influential military heads in South Asia. The two figures are responsible for directing, administering and supervising their countries’ defence, security and strategic operations. Their roles in national security management however, vary in terms of power and political influence. The differences are informed by India’s strong civilian control and Pakistan’s military influence over national and internal politics and policies. This has affected the growth, perception and expansion of the defence forces of the two countries over the decades.

Role of Army Chief in India and Pakistan

The Army Chief is the highest-ranking officer in the Army. The Army Chief is in charge of leading and managing the army. The following are some of the functions of the Army Chief:

• Strategic Command and Control: Both Army Chiefs are responsible for managing the national defence operations. The Army Chief is responsible for the combat readiness and preparedness of the Army.

• Training and Professional Military Education: The Army Chief is responsible for the military professional education of soldiers. The Army Chief is also responsible for upholding discipline in the armed forces.

• Procurement and Modernization: The Army Chief also plays a role in the modernization of the Army. This is in terms of technological upgrades as well as the acquisition of equipment and arms.

• Advisor to the Government: The Army Chief is the highest-ranking military advisor to the state and the government. The Chief is responsible for the security advice to the state and government.

• Operational Readiness: The Army Chief also oversees border defence and national security. This includes management of logistics and coordination with other arms of the defence forces.

Army Chiefs of both countries share most of their responsibilities and roles. However, the scope of their power and influence is not the same. The Chief of the Indian Army Chief of Army Staff (COAS) serves in a constitutional, democratic republic.

The Chief of Pakistan Army serves as COAS in a country with weak civil-military relations. In most cases, the COAS has served in Pakistan to influence both military and political policy. This includes foreign policy as well as internal security and management issues.

Differences Between India and Pakistan’s Army Leadership Structure

Here are the Differences Between India's and Pakistan’s Army Leadership structures:

Historical evolution of Indian Army and Pakistan Army

Post 1947 partition, both India and Pakistan inherited a part of the British Indian Army. However, over the following decades, the military leadership in these two countries took up very different trajectories.

In India 

• General K. M. Cariappa was the first Chief of Indian Army who took over in 1949.

• Indian Army, under the successive chiefs, took shape as a professional and apolitical organization, concerned with border security, modernization of defence, and carrying out peacekeeping operations.

• Chief after Chief functioned under firm civilian control and upheld the army as an institution that safeguards the constitution and not one to interfere in politics.

In Pakistan 

• General Frank Messervy was succeeded by General Douglas Gracey. Both were British officers and were the first two Chiefs of Pakistan Army.

• Post General Ayub Khan, Pakistan Army became a dominant force in the country. Pakistan Army under successive Chiefs like Zia-ul-Haq, Pervez Musharraf, even took over as the ruler of the country following military coups.

• The Pakistan Army Chief, even today, continues to have a formidable grip over the political and intelligence establishment and is the most powerful post in the country.

Current Chief of Indian Army

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi took charge on 30 June 2024. He is the current and 30th Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army. He brings with him a vision to transform the Indian Army into a future-ready, self-reliant, and integrated force. With over four decades of service, he has led operations and planning in various strategic capacities. 

Salient Features of Indian Army Chief 

• Position and Profile: The current Indian Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, was commissioned into the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in December 1984. He has commanded units on counter-insurgency duties and has held senior staff positions, including that of Vice Chief of Army Staff.

• Background: Noted for leading modernization drives, he has actively contributed to operational planning and management on the borders with China and Pakistan and has emphasized innovation and technological upgrades.

• Achievements and Initiatives: The Army Chief has directed full-spectrum operational preparedness, self-reliance in defence technology and production, professionalism, motivation and high ethical standards, and comprehensive welfare for soldiers and veterans.

Salary of the Indian Army Chief 

As of 2025, the Indian Army Chief earns a basic salary of approximately ₹2,50,000 per month. Additionally, he receives allowances for accommodation, travel, and medical facilities, befitting his seniority and position.

Key Responsibilities of the Indian Army Chief

The Indian Army Chief is the highest-ranking officer in the Indian Army and is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and planning of the Army. The Chief of Indian Army ensures operational readiness, maintains discipline, guides modernization efforts, and advises the government on national security issues.

Command and Administration

• The Indian Army Chief is responsible for the command and administration of all regional and field commands under the Indian Army. 

• They also oversee promotions and postings of officers and maintain morale and discipline among all units and formations under their command. 

• The Chief of Indian Army also oversees welfare programs and ensures seamless coordination between Army Headquarters and various regional and field commands.

Defense Planning and Operations 

• The Indian Army Chief plays a crucial role in defence planning and operations. This includes formulating defense strategies for the Army’s role in border defence and counter-insurgency operations. 

• The Chief is responsible for planning military operations, coordinating joint operations with the Navy and Air Force, advising the government on strategic decisions, monitoring intelligence and threat assessments, ensuring rapid response readiness during crises, and overseeing training exercises to ensure operational preparedness.

Indian Army Modernization

• Indian Army Chief has a responsibility to modernise the Army. That is to deliver on various modernisation programs announced under the Make in India scheme.

• The Chief will be overseeing the procurement of state-of-the-art weapons, tanks, and communication equipment; building up cyber warfare and surveillance, command and control networks; promoting indigenous research and development in the defence sector and private industry partnerships. 

• The Chief is also expected to upgrade the training of the army to modern warfare skills and introduce networked systems and drones for better operational efficiency.

Current Pakistan Army Chief Profile

The incumbent Pakistan Army Chief is General Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah. He has been the Chief of the Army Staff of Pakistan since 29 November 2022. He was born in 1968 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. 

• He comes from a military family and has served in various key positions in military intelligence and military command. 

• He is the first Army Chief from Pakistan to have held command of Military Intelligence as well as Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). 

• He was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal in May 2025, a rank only held once before in Pakistan's history.

Key Responsibilities of the Pakistan Army Chief

Following are some of the responsibilities of the Pakistan Army Chief:

• Commanding the Pakistan Army: As the Chief of Army Staff, General Munir commands the Pakistan Army, which is one of the most significant components of the armed forces and is primarily responsible for the land-based defence of the country.

• Military strategist: Pakistan Army Chief formulates and executes military strategy and operations, including counterterrorism, border security and overall defence preparedness of the country.

• Political and Administrative Power: The Pakistan Army Chief is also a holder of significant political and administrative power, reflecting the historical interplay between the military and civilian institutions in Pakistan.

• National Security Coordination: The Pakistan Army Chief also coordinates national security affairs, including internal security matters and defence diplomacy with other countries.

• Military Resources and Development: The Pakistan Army Chief is entrusted with the responsibility of allocating, managing, and developing military resources, which includes overseeing the training, infrastructure and modernization programs to maintain the armed forces’ combat readiness.

• Advisory and Decision-making: The Pakistan Army Chief provides advisory services to the civilian government on defence and security-related matters, which can significantly influence Pakistan’s political dynamics.

Comparison Between Indian Army Chief vs Pakistan Army Chief

The Indian Army Chief and Pakistan Army Chief hold similar top military positions in their respective countries but differ significantly in leadership style, operational strength, regional strategic influence, career progression, and public image.

India-Pakistan Army Chiefs During Wars

India and Pakistan have been involved in wars since their independence. The positions of the Indian Army Chief during war and Pakistan Army Chief during war have been crucial in influencing war strategies, leading troops, and determining the outcomes. Below is the summarized involvement of both positions during the various wars:

1947–48 Kashmir War

• This war was fought over the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.

• The Indian Army Chief during war, General K. M. Cariappa, led the defence of Kashmir against the tribal militias and irregular Pakistani forces.

• The Pakistan Army Chief during war, General Sir Frank Messervy, was responsible for coordinating the tribal militias and the early units of the Pakistan Army.

• Both Army Chiefs were actively involved in the planning and execution of operations during the war, impacting the outcome.

1965 War Between India and Pakistan

• The war was fought on the Punjab and Kashmir fronts and involved large-scale conventional battles.

• The Indian Army Chief during war, General J. N. Chaudhuri, led the Indian forces in their defence and counteroffensive strategies.

• The Pakistan Army Chief, during the war, General Mohammad Musa, directed offensive operations by Pakistani forces across the border.

• Leadership, planning, and decision-making by both Indian and Pakistan Army Chiefs during the war heavily impacted the military outcome of the conflict.

1971 Bangladesh Liberation War

• The 1971 war was a coordinated campaign of joint warfare to free East Pakistan.

• The Indian Army Chief during war, General Sam Manekshaw, successfully coordinated the joint military operations with the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, which led to a rapid victory.

• The Pakistan Army Chief during war, General A. A. K. Niazi, was bogged down by logistical problems, low troop morale, and communications issues, which resulted in his surrender.

• This conflict showed the strategic and leadership skills of the Indian Army Chief, as well as exposed weaknesses and poor command of the Pakistan Army Chief.

Kargil War (1999)

• The high-altitude Kargil conflict served as a test of military leadership and operational planning.

• The Indian Army Chief during war, General V. P. Malik, oversaw the successful Indian operations to recapture the peaks and the Line of Control.

• The Pakistan Army Chief during the war, General Pervez Musharraf, was the main architect behind the successful infiltration strategy, which eventually failed due to the robust Indian operations and international pressure.

• This war underlined the importance of strategic decision-making and coordination in modern warfare for both the Chiefs.

Achievements  of Indian Army Chief Vs Pakistan Army Chief

Here's a comparative table summarizing major achievements and milestones of the Indian and Pakistan Army Chiefs through key military operations, awards, and recognitions: