New Delhi, July 26 (PTI): Lt Gen. Deepak Kapoor, a veteran of the 1971 war with Pakistan who commanded the army’s largest and most sensitive Northern Command for two years, was today named the next chief of army staff.

Kapoor (in picture), an artillery officer who has the distinction of obtaining three master’s degrees in military science, business administration and political science, will succeed Gen. J.J. Singh when he retires on September 30, an official announcement said.

Kapoor also commanded the Ram, a reorganised infantry-cum-armour division, during Operation Parakram, the stand-off with Pakistan in 2001-02. He has also commanded troops engaged in anti-insurgency operations.

Vijay Singh, a 1970-batch IAS officer, was today appointed defence secretary while Pradeep Kumar will be the next disinvestment secretary.