When the public catches a glimpse of the President of India during state visits, national parades, or diplomatic banquets, a sharp military officer in crisp dress uniform stands just a step behind, watchful and composed. To the untrained eye, the role of an Aide-de-Camp (ADC) might look purely ceremonial—a polished figure maintaining strict military protocol. But beneath the pristine uniform lies a world of razor-thin security margins, intense logistical synchronization, and high-stakes crisis management.

In a candid conversation on Raj Shamani’s Figuring Out podcast, Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal—a decorated Para Special Forces officer and former ADC to President Droupadi Murmu—unpacked what it truly takes to protect the Head of State, navigate the corridors of Rashtrapati Bhavan, and transition from high-risk combat operations to peak international diplomacy.

From the Frontlines to Rashtrapati Bhavan

Born into a family with deep military roots in Jammu & Kashmir, Major Rishabh’s journey was built on a foundation of discipline. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (133rd Course), he initially commissioned into the Jat Regiment. His early career stood out when he led the Jat Regiment contingent to win the prestigious Best Marching Contingent Trophy at the 2021 Republic Day Parade.

Driven by a quest for extreme physical and mental operational challenges, he subsequently volunteered for the Special Forces probation, earning a place in the elite 4 Para (SF) and donning the coveted Balidaan Badge.

However, in March 2023, his career took a dramatic turn when he was selected as an Aide-de-Camp to the President of India. Transitioning from the rugged operational terrain of Special Forces deployments to the grand halls of Rashtrapati Bhavan required an immediate shift in mindset. In special operations, action is aggressive, fast, and tactical; in statecraft, execution must be precise, discreet, and endlessly diplomatic.

The Operational Glue: What an ADC Actually Does

One of the greatest misconceptions about an ADC is that their job is limited to standing at attention during photo opportunities. In reality, the ADC serves as the primary operational link between the President, foreign heads of state, the armed forces, central ministries, and local law enforcement.

Every movement of the President is planned down to the second. When the President travels—whether locally, nationally, or on high-profile international tours—the ADC works alongside multiple security and administrative layers, including:

• The President’s Bodyguard (PBG): Managing ceremonial escorts and close-range protocol.
• Specialized Security Teams & Local Police: Securing routes, venues, and contingency pathways.
• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): Ensuring foreign state protocols, gift exchanges, and diplomatic courtesies strictly align with international standards.

During multi-nation foreign visits, the pressure intensifies. Time zones shift constantly, schedules alter on the fly due to bilateral meetings running long, and cultural nuances must be meticulously honored. The ADC operates as the central air-traffic controller for these events, anticipating disruptions before they manifest and ensuring the President’s focus remains entirely on governance and statecraft.

VIP Threat Dynamics & The Special Forces Mindset

Threat perception in VIP security is fundamentally different from offensive military operations. In combat, the objective is to locate, engage, and neutralize an adversary. In executive protection, success is measured by prevention—ensuring an attack or security breach never gets the opportunity to happen in the first place.

Major Rishabh highlighted that an effective ADC uses spatial awareness and subtle visual cues to continuously scan environments. Whether moving through massive crowds during public appearances or managing tight security corridors inside foreign capitals, the security apparatus must balance security requirements with public access.

The President is a democratic leader, not a prisoner of security details. Therefore, the goal is to create an invisible protective bubble—allowing the President to interact warmly with citizens and dignitaries without compromising safety.

Bringing a Special Forces background into this domain offers a massive advantage. SF operators are trained to remain calm amidst sensory overload, assess emerging threats instantly, and make split-second decisions without panicking. When an unexpected protocol lapse or crowd surge occurs, that calm under pressure prevents chaotic reactions and keeps the protective umbrella intact.

Life Inside Rashtrapati Bhavan

Living and working within the 340-room presidential estate offers a rare look at the human side of India’s highest constitutional office. Serving President Droupadi Murmu, Major Rishabh witnessed firsthand the sheer stamina required to fulfill the duties of the presidency.

The daily routine of the President involves reviewing state papers, hosting back-to-back delegations, making public addresses, and attending official dinners late into the night—often followed by early morning flights to remote parts of the country. Supporting this pace demands unwavering discipline from the ADC, who must remain vigilant and prepared at all hours.

During his tenure, Major Rishabh also inadvertently became a public figure. The rise of social media and viral broadcast clips meant that the sharp, vigilant ADC behind the President caught the attention of millions across the internet. Managing this sudden spotlight while adhering to strict military conduct required a grounded perspective. For Major Rishabh, public visibility was simply a byproduct of the office he served, never the focus.

The Decision to Step Away

After 12 years of distinguished service—spanning the infantry, elite Special Forces combat roles, and presidential duty—Major Rishabh took premature retirement from the Indian Army in August 2026.

Leaving the military uniform is never an easy choice for a career officer, especially one with a stellar trajectory. However, balancing personal commitments, family priorities, and long-term life goals led him to step toward a new chapter.

The transition from military to civilian life allows veterans to translate high-stakes leadership skills into the private sector. The modern corporate and strategic world increasingly values individuals who can manage complex logistics, lead under extreme pressure, and navigate intricate geopolitical realities—skills that a Special Forces background and presidential service instill to an exceptional degree.

The Legacy of Service

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal’s journey reflects the dynamic possibilities within modern military service. From leading troops on the parade ground to undertaking covert operations in combat zones, and ultimately representing the nation’s highest office alongside President Droupadi Murmu, his career underscores the versatility demanded of India’s armed forces officers.

Behind every seamless state visit and every flawless ceremonial event stands an intricate network of dedicated professionals working around the clock. Through his story, the role of the President’s ADC is revealed not just as a position of high honor, but as a grueling test of poise, strategic foresight, and quiet, unrelenting dedication to the nation.

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