Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Assumes Charge as Vice Chief of Army Staff
Decorated Armoured Corps officer brings decades of operational and strategic experience to key leadership role
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth on Tuesday assumed the appointment of Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS), marking a significant transition in the Indian Army’s top leadership.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Over a career spanning nearly four decades, he has built a distinguished operational profile across varied terrains and conflict environments, including extensive counter-insurgency experience.
He has commanded an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade in a developed sector, and a Counter Insurgency Force in Jammu and Kashmir. Upon promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General, he led the Sudarshan Chakra Corps and later served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, where he oversaw several major national and international engagements.
At the Army Commander level, Lt Gen Seth held the positions of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of both South Western Command and Southern Command, earning the rare distinction of commanding two key operational formations along the Western Front.
In addition to his field commands, Lt Gen Seth has held several important staff and strategic appointments. These include serving as Brigade Major of an Independent Armoured Brigade in Jammu and Kashmir, Operations Officer with the United Nations Mission in Angola, Assistant Military Secretary at Army Headquarters, Brigadier General Staff Operations at Headquarters South Western Command, and Director General Discipline, Ceremonial and Welfare.
He has also played a pivotal role in capability development and modernisation, holding key positions in strategic planning, including Colonel Capability Development for Mechanised Forces, Brigadier Perspective Plans and Acquisition, and Additional Director General Capability Development. His contributions have been significant in shaping the Indian Army’s long-term modernisation roadmap.
Known for his academic excellence, Lt Gen Seth secured top honours in several professional courses. He stood first in the Junior Command Course and was awarded the Best All Round Student Officer Medal at the Defence Services Staff College. He has also attended the Higher Command Course, the National Defence College, and the Command and Staff Course in Paris.
His appointment as Vice Chief underscores the Army’s focus on experienced leadership to drive operational readiness and future capability development.