Commissioned into the 74 Armoured Regiment in December 1988, Lt Gen Pushkar has built an extensive military career marked by command, operational planning and training responsibilities. A graduate of the National Defence Academy, he has served in several challenging appointments across the country and has gained experience in both field and staff roles. Military observers note that his leadership of 2 Corps during Operation Sindoor highlighted his operational acumen and ability to guide large formations during critical missions.

The senior officer has commanded formations at every major level, including an Armoured Regiment, an Independent Armoured Brigade, an Infantry Division and a Strike Corps in the Western Sector. His staff assignments have included tenures as Colonel Military Secretary, Colonel General Staff, Brigadier Quartermaster General and Brigadier General Staff. He also served as Additional Director General of the Armoured Corps and later as Director General Territorial Army. His association with military education includes a tenure as an instructor at NDA Khadakwasla.

Beyond his domestic assignments, Lt Gen Pushkar has represented India overseas. He was part of the Indian Military Training Team in Bhutan and later served as Defence and Military Attache in Moscow, with concurrent accreditation to Armenia and Belarus. He has completed higher military education at the Defence Services Staff College, College of Defence Management and National Defence College, besides earning advanced academic qualifications in strategic studies, management and international relations.

A recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal, the officer has also received the Chief of Army Staff Commendation and three Army Commander’s Commendations. On taking charge, he paid homage at the Southern Command War Memorial and stressed the importance of combat readiness, joint operations, indigenous defence capabilities and rapid adoption of new technologies.