PUNE – Force Motors Limited has announced a major addition to its leadership team with the appointment of Lt Gen Vinod Gulabrao Khandare (Retd) as an Independent Director, effective January 29, 2026. The appointment, made for an initial five-year term, is part of a broader push by the automotive major to enhance its board governance and risk management frameworks.

The move follows a period of stellar performance for the company, which recently reported a 159% jump in net profit for Q2 FY26 and a 50% year-on-year surge in total sales for December 2025.

A Distinguished Military and Strategic Career

Lt Gen Khandare joins the board with nearly four decades of experience at the highest echelons of India's national security and military architecture.

• National Security Advisor: Served as the Military Adviser to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and most recently as the Principal Adviser to the Ministry of Defence until May 2025.
• Intelligence Leadership: Previously served as the Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), where he spearheaded tri-service intelligence operations.
• Combat & Operations: A veteran of the Garhwal Rifles, he has held operational roles in Siachen, Jammu & Kashmir, and the Northeast.

High Honors for Distinguished Service

The President of India has recognized Lt Gen Khandare’s service with several of the nation's highest peacetime honors:

• Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)
• Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)
• Sena Medal (SM)

D Litt (Honoris Causa): Awarded for his contributions to national security and defense studies.

Strategic Fit for Force Motors

As Force Motors expands its collaborations with global giants like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Rolls-Royce (MTU), the addition of a national security expert is expected to provide critical insights into:

• Risk Management: Navigating complex global supply chains and geopolitical risks.
• Strategic Planning: Aligning the company's long-term growth with national "Atmanirbhar" (self-reliance) goals in the automotive and defense aggregate sectors.
• Governance: Strengthening the board's oversight with a focus on discipline and high-level decision-making.