Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly is a former Indian Army officer who served in the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) for 20 years from 2001 to 2021. He is best known as the brother of Bollywood actress and former Miss India Celina Jaitly, and for his distinguished military service in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir and India’s North-East. Since September 2024, he has been detained by UAE authorities, leading to diplomatic efforts by the Indian government and appeals from his sister for his release.
Vikrant Jaitly Wiki / Biography
Vikrant Jaitly Early Life and Family Background
Vikrant Kumar Jaitly was born into a family with a strong military legacy. His father, the late Colonel V.K. Jaitly, served in the Indian Army before retirement. His mother, the late Meeta Jaitly, worked as a child psychologist.
He has one sibling, his younger sister Celina Jaitly, who became a famous Bollywood actress and former Miss India. The family belongs to the Brahmin caste and practices Hinduism. Vikrant pursued a path of military service from a young age, following his father’s footsteps.
Vikrant Jaitly Age
Specific details about Vikrant Jaitly’s date of birth and exact age are not publicly disclosed. He was commissioned into the Indian Army on December 15, 2001, suggesting he was likely born in the early 1980s. His sister Celina Jaitly was born on November 24, 1981, and if he is her older sibling, he would be approximately in his mid-40s as of 2026.
Physical Appearance
Vikrant Kumar Jaitly stands approximately 6 feet (182 cm) tall. He has light brown eyes. Additional physical details are not extensively documented in available sources.
Vikrant Jaitly Military Career
Commission and Training
Vikrant Kumar Jaitly was commissioned into the Indian Army on December 15, 2001, following rigorous training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. He joined the prestigious Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), one of the elite units in the Indian Armed Forces. This marked the beginning of a 20-year military career dedicated to special operations.
Service Record
From December 1999 to August 2007, Jaitly served as Regional Operations Manager and Team Commander with the rank of Captain in the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces). During this period, he was actively involved in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism missions in high-conflict zones. He served in Jammu and Kashmir, participating in operations against militant groups, and in India’s North-East region addressing insurgency threats.
Between September 2007 and March 2009, he worked as Deputy Chief of Operations (DCOO) with the United Nations for approximately 1 year and 7 months. From March 2009 to April 2011, he returned to the Parachute Regiment as Senior Manager of Technical Training with the rank of Major in Bangalore, India.
In May 2014, Jaitly was promoted to Chief of Operations (COO) and Training and Second In Command with the rank of Major at the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces). He served in this position until December 2016. His exceptional performance in operational duties earned him the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Commendation Card, a prestigious award recognizing outstanding service.
Retirement
Vikrant Jaitly retired from active military service in December 2021 as a Major, concluding a 20-year career. He left behind a legacy of discipline, bravery, and dedication to national security. His LinkedIn profile describes him as “a fighter from his heart and a strategist from his mind” with over 20 years of experience in executing and innovating strategies.
Post-Military Career
Relocation to UAE
After leaving the Armed Forces, Vikrant Kumar Jaitly relocated to the United Arab Emirates in 2016. In November 2016, he was appointed as CEO and Managing Partner at Mātiti Group in Dubai, which he co-founded with Charul C Jaitly. The company focuses on various business sectors including government consulting projects.
Professional Certifications and Roles
In March 2015, Jaitly received certification in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from Simplilearn. In August 2015, he completed PMP (Project Management Professional) training from Simplilearn. He obtained a Risk Management certification from Alison in August 2016.
From January 2017 to October 2017, Jaitly worked as a Senior Principal Consultant in Dubai. Between October 2017 and May 2018, he served as Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Eagle Hunters Global in Dubai. In January 2018, he began working as CEO and Managing Partner of Activity Network in Mumbai, India.
In May 2018, he began working part-time at Mātiti Green, a consulting firm focused on long-term government projects in India. In January 2017, he became a member of the Project Management Institute at Mātiti Group. His professional experience spans executing and innovating strategies for governments, international organizations like the United Nations, and the corporate sector.
UAE Detention
Circumstances of Detention
In September 2024, Vikrant Kumar Jaitly was detained by UAE authorities. He was held incommunicado for the first eight months of his detention, with no contact allowed with family members or legal representation. The specific charges or reasons for his detention have not been publicly disclosed in detail.
Prior to his detention, Jaitly was involved in a serious road accident in the UAE. According to his sister Celina Jaitly, he lay on the road bleeding and unattended for 25 minutes as bystanders only watched without helping. She stated that he could have died because no one came to his aid.
Family Appeals and Diplomatic Efforts
Actress Celina Jaitly has been vocal in seeking assistance for her brother’s release. In February 2026, she made an emotional appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating “Modi ji, bring soldier back” and seeking intervention for her brother’s release. She emphasized that if he had done wrong, he should face justice in India, but questioned the extended detention without clear charges.
In November 2025, after 14 months of struggle, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) demanding a status report on the case. The court directed the appointment of a nodal officer to ensure Jaitly receives effective legal and medical assistance while in UAE custody. Celina expressed this as a “ray of hope” and “light at the end of the dark tunnel”.
The Delhi High Court’s intervention marked a significant development in the case, potentially strengthening diplomatic ties between UAE and India. The government was directed to issue a status report outlining steps to be taken for Jaitly’s legal representation and medical care. As of February 2026, Jaitly remains in UAE custody while diplomatic and legal efforts continue.
Public Support
The case has received public attention through social media campaigns and media coverage. A Facebook post by Humans of Bombay highlighted the ordeal, describing Celina’s life as “a countdown of fear, prayer and stubborn hope” since her brother’s detention. Documentary-style coverage titled “This Is Exclusive: The Untold Story Of Major Vikrant Jaitly” has brought wider awareness to the case.
Vikrant Jaitly Wife and Personal Life
Vikrant Kumar Jaitly’s marital status is listed as married. However, specific details about his wife’s name, background, marriage date, and children are not publicly disclosed. He maintains privacy regarding his personal family life.
His professional presence is documented through his LinkedIn profile under the name Vikrant K Jaitly, where he identifies as Chief Executive Officer based in the United Arab Emirates. Details about his current residence, lifestyle, and personal interests beyond his professional and military background remain private.
Major (Retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly Family
| Relation | Name | Details |
| Father | Late Colonel V.K. Jaitly | Served in the Indian Army before retirement |
| Mother | Late Meeta Jaitly | Worked as a child psychologist |
| Sister | Celina Jaitly | Bollywood actress, former Miss India (born November 24, 1981) |
| Wife | Not publicly disclosed | Married |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed | Not publicly disclosed |
Vikrant Jaitly Legacy
Vikrant Kumar Jaitly’s military service represents dedication to India’s national security through two decades of special operations. His work in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency in conflict zones like Jammu and Kashmir and India’s North-East contributed to national defense efforts. The COAS Commendation Card he received stands as recognition of his exceptional operational performance.
His transition to the corporate sector demonstrated versatility, applying military strategic thinking to business operations. His experience working with governments and international organizations like the United Nations showcases his adaptability across diverse professional environments. His current detention situation has brought attention to cases of Indian citizens facing legal challenges abroad and the role of diplomatic intervention.