New Delhi, 01 April (H.S.):

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth has taken over as the 49th Vice Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army, succeeding in one of the most senior military positions in the country. The ceremony, held in New Delhi, began with the new Vice Chief laying a wreath at the National War Memorial to salute fallen soldiers, followed by a Guard of Honour on South Block Lawns, underscoring the solemnity of the appointment.

Four‑Decade‑Old Operational and Staff Career

With nearly four decades of service, Lieutenant General Seth brings extensive experience in diverse terrains and conflict‑ridden regions, including counter‑terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir and deployments along India’s western and southern operational fronts. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, and was commissioned into the armoured corps, specifically the 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse), in December 1986.

Over the years, he has commanded an armoured regiment, an armoured brigade, and a Rashtriya Rifles (counter‑terrorism) formation in Jammu and Kashmir. He has also led strike‑corps‑level formations on the western theatre, in addition to holding key command‑level tenures, including as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Delhi Area, where he oversaw the conduct of major national events such as the Republic Day Parade.

Key Staff and Strategic Roles

Beyond field commands, Lieutenant General Seth has held several important staff and strategic appointments that have shaped the Army’s long‑term planning and modernisation. These include serving as Brigade Major of an independent armoured brigade, Assistant Military Secretary, and Brigadier General Staff (Operations) at the South Western Command.

He has also served in the Strategic Planning and Capability Development Directorates, including as Colonel Capability Development for mechanised forces, Brigadier Perspective Plans, and Additional Director General (Capability Development).

His contributions have been central to the formulation of the Indian Army’s long‑term integrated perspective plan and modernisation roadmap, ensuring that the force keeps pace with evolving threats and technological advances.

Educational Excellence and International Exposure

The new Vice Chief has distinguished himself in multiple advanced military courses, winning top ranks in the Junior Command Course and being adjudged the best all‑round officer at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He has also completed the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College, New Delhi, and attended a prestigious command and staff course in Paris, reflecting his exposure to international military thought and joint‑services planning.

Last Tenure and Transition to Army HQ

Prior to his elevation as Vice Chief, Lieutenant General Seth served as the General Officer Commanding‑in‑Chief of the Southern Command in Pune, overseeing the Army’s responsibilities across the peninsula. He relinquished charge of the Southern Command on 31 March and formally took over the Vice‑Chief role at Army Headquarters, New Delhi, starting 1 April.

As Vice Chief of the Army Staff, he now stands second only to the Chief of the Army Staff, with primary responsibility for the Army’s operational readiness, capability‑development priorities, and the coordination of all commands and formations across the country.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar