Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Appointed as New Vice Chief of the Army Staff
NEW DELHI | April 1, 2026 — In a significant leadership transition for the Indian Army, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, officially assumed the high-profile appointment of Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) today.
An esteemed alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. His career, spanning nearly four decades, is marked by an exceptional operational profile developed across a wide range of terrains and conflict environments.
His extensive background includes commanding an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade in the developed sector, and a Counter Insurgency Force in Jammu & Kashmir, demonstrating a versatile mastery of both conventional and asymmetric warfare.
Before stepping into the role of Vice Chief, Lt Gen Seth held several prestigious command positions, including the leadership of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps and serving as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) for the Delhi Area, where he managed critical national and international engagements.
Notably, he holds the rare distinction of having served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of both the South Western and Southern Commands, providing him with unparalleled experience in overseeing operational commands along the Western Front.
His strategic acumen is further bolstered by his time as an Operations Officer with the United Nations Mission in Angola and his tenure as Director General of Discipline, Ceremonial, and Welfare.
A visionary in the realm of military modernization, Lt Gen Seth has been a driving force behind the Indian Army’s Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan. He has held pivotal roles in strategic planning, including tenures as the Additional Director General for Capability Development and Brigadier Perspective Plans and Acquisition.
His academic record is equally distinguished; he consistently secured top honors in various professional courses, including standing first in the Junior Command Course and being named the Best All-Round Student Officer at the Defence Services Staff College.
Having also attended the Command and Staff Course in Paris and the National Defence College, Lt Gen Seth brings a sophisticated, global perspective to his new role as the second-highest-ranking officer in the Indian Army.