Army, Navy leadership set to move out of South Block to new government complexes

The Army and Navy leadership are being prepared for relocation from South Block in New Delhi to newly developed government complexes. Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and seven Army Principal Staff Officers are expected to move to Shaurya Bhavan by the end of November.

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Army leadership to move to Shaurya Bhavan

Shaurya Bhavan in Delhi Cantonment is expected to become the new base for the Army Chief, the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and seven Principal Staff Officers. The Army War Room and the office of the Director General of Military Operations are also among the facilities scheduled to relocate.

Navy leadership to leave South Block

Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, the Navy Vice Chief and Principal Staff Officers are also expected to move out of South Block. The Navy moved into Nausena Bhavan in Delhi Cantonment in 2024. The future location of the Navy War Room has not been determined.

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Relocation follows a phased restructuring

The moves are part of the restructuring of the Defence Ministry’s administrative and military establishments. The first phase of the relocation took place in April, followed by phased moves of other Defence Ministry offices. The ministry has temporarily moved to Kartavya Bhavan II, where the Chief of Defence Staff is currently the only senior military leadership position based.

Further moves planned for Kartavya Bhavan 6 and 7

The Defence Ministry is expected to move to Kartavya Bhavan 6 and 7 once those buildings are completed. Department of Military Affairs officers, including the Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency, are also expected to leave South Block. The Navy War Room’s relocation is more complex because it requires extensive infrastructure, secure communication systems and advanced technology.