Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Assumes Charge as Vice Chief of Army Staff

In a significant development in the Indian Army's top leadership, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, today assumed office as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS). His appointment comes at a crucial time as the Army continues to advance its modernization agenda and strengthen operational preparedness across multiple fronts.

An alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. With a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, he brings a wealth of experience in both operational command and strategic planning.

Extensive Command Experience Across Operational Theatres

Lt Gen Seth's career reflects a diverse and high-intensity command profile across varied terrains and conflict environments:

• Commanded an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector

• Led an Armoured Brigade in a developed operational sector

• Headed a Counter Insurgency Force in Jammu & Kashmir

At higher ranks, he held critical leadership roles:

• Commander of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, a key strike formation

• General Officer Commanding (GOC), Delhi Area, overseeing major ceremonial and strategic engagements

• GOC-in-C, South Western Command and Southern Command, achieving the rare distinction of leading two operational commands along the Western Front

Strategic Roles and Global Exposure

Beyond field commands, Lt Gen Seth has held several influential staff and international assignments:

• Brigade Major of an Independent Armoured Brigade in J&K

• Operations Officer with the United Nations Mission in Angola

• Assistant Military Secretary at Army Headquarters

• Brigadier General Staff (Operations) at HQ South Western Command

• Director General Discipline, Ceremonial and Welfare

These roles have given him a comprehensive understanding of both operational execution and institutional management.

Architect of Modernisation and Capability Development

A key highlight of Lt Gen Seth's career is his deep involvement in defence planning and modernization initiatives. He has played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian Army's future capabilities through appointments such as:

• Colonel Capability Development (Mechanised Forces)

• Brigadier Perspective Plans and Acquisition

• Additional Director General Capability Development

In these roles, he contributed significantly to the Army's Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) and modernization roadmap, focusing on mechanised warfare, acquisition planning, and force restructuring.

Academic Excellence and Professional Distinction

Lt Gen Seth has consistently excelled in military education and professional courses:

• Topped the Junior Command Course

• Awarded the Best All Round Student Officer Medal at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC)

• Attended the Higher Command Course

• Graduate of the prestigious National Defence College (NDC)

• Completed the Command and Staff Course in Paris, adding international strategic exposure

Strengthening Leadership at the Apex

As Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Seth will play a crucial role in:

• Driving operational readiness and force transformation

• Overseeing modernisation and capability enhancement

• Strengthening jointness and integration across services

• Supporting strategic decision-making at the highest levels of defence leadership

His appointment is expected to further reinforce the Indian Army's transition toward a technology-driven, agile, and future-ready force.

With a rare blend of combat experience, strategic foresight, and institutional leadership, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth steps into the role of VCOAS at a time when India's security environment demands both resilience and innovation.