New Delhi: In a key leadership development, Indian Army officer Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth has assumed office as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS). His appointment marks the culmination of a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades.
Commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy, Lt Gen Seth has served in a wide range of operational and leadership roles across diverse terrains and challenging environments.
Wide-Ranging Command Experience
Throughout his career, Lt Gen Seth has commanded formations at multiple levels, including an armoured regiment in desert terrain and an armoured brigade in a key operational sector. He also led a Counter Insurgency Force in Jammu and Kashmir, one of the country’s most sensitive security zones.
As a senior commander, he headed the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, a crucial strike formation, and later served as General Officer Commanding of the Delhi Area, overseeing major military and ceremonial responsibilities in the national capital.
In a rare achievement, he commanded two major operational formations as Army Commander—South Western Command and Southern Command—contributing significantly to India’s defence preparedness, particularly along the western front.
Strategic and International Roles
Lt Gen Seth has also held several important staff and international assignments. He served with a United Nations mission in Angola, gaining valuable global peacekeeping experience. At Army Headquarters, he held key roles in operations, personnel management, and discipline.
His contributions to operational planning were particularly notable during his tenure as Brigadier General Staff (Operations), where he played a critical role in strategic decision-making.
Driving Modernisation Efforts
A key contributor to the Army’s modernization initiatives, Lt Gen Seth has worked extensively in capability development and long-term planning. His roles included overseeing mechanised force development and contributing to acquisition and future force structuring.
He played an important part in shaping the Army’s long-term strategic roadmap, focusing on enhancing operational readiness and integrating new technologies.
Academic Excellence
Lt Gen Seth is widely recognized for his academic achievements within the military education system. He topped the Junior Command Course and was awarded the Best All-Round Student Officer at the Defence Services Staff College.
He is also an alumnus of the National Defence College and has attended advanced training programs internationally, further strengthening his strategic outlook.
A Critical Leadership Role
His appointment comes at a time when the Indian Army is undergoing significant transformation to address emerging security challenges and technological advancements. With his extensive operational and strategic experience, Lt Gen Seth is expected to play a pivotal role in guiding the force through its next phase of modernization.
Defence observers view his elevation as a strong step toward ensuring continuity, stability, and forward-looking leadership within the Army’s top command.
