
Tue Mar 31 13:09:29 UTC 2026: ### Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth Appointed Vice Chief of Army Staff
The Story:
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth has completed his tenure as the commander of the Pune-headquartered Southern Command on Tuesday, March 31, and is poised to assume the role of Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) effective Wednesday, April 1. During his command, Lt. Gen. Seth focused on operational readiness, institutional transformation, and preparing the force for future challenges. He commemorated his departure by honoring fallen soldiers at the Southern Command War Memorial. Lt Gen Sandeep Jain is slated to assume the charge of Southern Army Commander from April 1.
Key Points:
- Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth relinquished command of Southern Command on March 31.
- He is appointed Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) starting April 1.
- Lt. Gen. Seth emphasized technology absorption and multi-domain warfighting competencies.
- Lt Gen Sandeep Jain is slated to assume the charge of Southern Army Commander from April 1.
- Prior to Southern Command, Lt. Gen. Seth commanded South Western Command from November 2023 to June 2024.
Key Takeaways:
- The Indian Army is prioritizing technological advancement and adapting to multi-domain warfare strategies.
- Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth’s diverse experience and training have prepared him for the role of VCOAS.
- The transition of command signifies a continuation of the focus on operational readiness and future-proofing the army.