- Battle-tested Armoured Corps officer steps into top strategic role
- Rare distinction of commanding two operational Commands along Western Front
- Modernisation architect with global exposure & UN experience
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, APR 1
In a key leadership elevation, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, on Wednesday assumed charge as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS), bringing with him nearly four decades of rich operational and strategic experience.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 and has since built an exceptional profile across varied terrains and conflict environments, including extensive counter-insurgency operations.
Commanding Across Battlefronts
Lt Gen Seth has led from the front at every level—commanding:
- An Armoured Regiment in the desert sector
- An Armoured Brigade in developed terrain
- A Counter Insurgency Force in Jammu & Kashmir
On promotion to Lieutenant General, he commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, and later served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, overseeing major national and international engagements.
He went on to achieve the rare distinction of heading two operational Commands—
the South Western Command and the Southern Command—along the strategically critical Western Front.
Strategist Behind Modernisation Push
Lt Gen Seth has held several crucial staff and policy roles, including:
- Brigade Major of an Independent Armoured Brigade in J&K
- Operations Officer with the United Nations Mission in Angola
- Assistant Military Secretary at Army HQ
- Director General Discipline, Ceremonial and Welfare
A key contributor to force modernisation, he played a pivotal role in Strategic Planning and Capability Development, serving as:
- Colonel Capability Development (Mechanised Forces)
- Brigadier Perspective Plans & Acquisition
- Additional Director General Capability Development
His contributions significantly shaped the Army’s Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan and future-ready combat capabilities.
Academic Excellence & Global Exposure
A consistently top-performing officer, Lt Gen Seth:
- Secured First Position in Junior Command Course
- Won the Best All Round Student Officer Medal at the Defence Services Staff College
- Attended the Higher Command Course and the prestigious National Defence College
- Completed the Command & Staff Course in Paris
A Leadership Transition with Strategic Depth
His elevation to Vice Chief comes at a time when the Indian Army is focusing on modernisation, jointness, and future warfare preparedness, making his blend of field command and policy expertise particularly significant.
