Lt Gen J P Mathew: Lt Gen J P Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), retired on April 30, 2025, after serving in the Army for almost forty years. On his last day, he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in Delhi to honour fallen soldiers. He also received a ceremonial tri-Service Guard of Honour at South Block.
The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff shared, “Lt Gen JP Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff #CISC, superannuated today after a glorious military career spanning over four decades, including a highly impactful two-year tenure at the helm of #HQ_IDS.”
Defence Stocks Rise: Paras Defence, BEL, HAL Jump Up To 10% After India-Pakistan Tensions Rise
He had been the CISC since April 2023. The Defence Ministry said, “Lt Gen J P Mathew relinquished the appointment of the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) on April 30, 2025 upon the culmination of nearly four decades in service.”
They also praised his work, saying he made “significant contributions” in the expansion of Defence Cyber Agency and Defence Space Agency towards achieving “credible capability” in these critical domains.
He encouraged partnerships with Indian defence industries and colleges. The ministry said, “He also encouraged deeper collaboration with the Indian defence industry and academia, reflecting the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.” He worked on reforms in military training and supported women’s participation in the forces.
“From steering major reforms and reviewing the curriculum in the Defence Service Staff College of Defence Management, Military Institute of Technology and National Defence Academy to encouraging participation of women, he was instrumental in enhancing diversity and inclusion in the armed forces,” the ministry added.
He also helped keep strong ties with other countries and worked for peace and security in the region. “In order to maintain defence cooperation with neighbouring countries and promote regional stability and security, Lt Gen Mathew represented the Indian armed forces in various fora.”
They also said he improved the military’s help in disasters, saying, “he was instrumental in enhancing the armed forces’ humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.”
Lt Gen Mathew was commissioned into the Punjab Regiment in December 1985 and became the Colonel of the Regiment in January 2022. For his service, he received several top military awards like the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.
