Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM today assumed the appointment of the Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS). An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, he was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Over nearly four decades, he has built an exceptional operational profile across diverse terrain and conflict environments, including counter-insurgency experience.
He has commanded an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade in the developed sector, and 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, where he oversaw major national and international engagements.
On elevation to the rank of Army Commander, he served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command and Southern Command, gaining the rare distinction of commanding two operational commands along the Western Front.
Lieutenant General Seth has held key staff and strategic appointments, including Brigade Major of an Independent Armoured Brigade in Jammu & 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.
A distinguished contributor to capability development and modernisation, he has tenanted key appointments in Strategic Planning and Capability Development Directorates, including Colonel Capability Development for Mechanised Forces, Brigadier Perspective Plans and Acquisition, and Additional Director General Capability Development, contributing significantly to the Indian Army’s Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan and modernisation roadmap.
The General Officer has excelled in all courses of instruction, securing top positions consistently. 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 attended the Higher Command Course, and the prestigious National Defence College. He has also attended the Command and Staff Course in Paris.