NEW DELHI: Modernization of the Army will form the bedrock of its transformation into a future-ready force, General Dheeraj Seth said on Wednesday, while stressing that sustained vigilance along India’s farthest borders against emerging threats will remain a top operational priority. In his first public remarks after taking over as army chief the previous day, he identified modernization, self-reliance, cooperation and integration as the cornerstones that will shape his tenure.
Seth outlined his top priorities using the acronym “VIJAY,” which sums up his vision for the future of the Army: Vigilance and Readiness, Innovation and Transformation, Solidarity and Integration, Atmanirbharta and Capability Development, and Yoda (Warrior) First.
“The Indian Army is a combat-ready and battle-hardened force, fully prepared and capable of meeting all operational challenges. To effectively respond to the evolving security environment, we must push forward with modernization of the Army with renewed energy and resolute resolve. Our goal is to build a technology-enabled, future-ready, fully-equipped Army capable of operating in multiple domains,” he said.
The son of former general and governor Lieutenant General KM Seth, the new army chief is known for his contributions in enforcing modernisation. He is the first Armored Corps officer to lead the service in nearly three decades, and will hold his position until August 31, 2028.
Explaining his priorities, Seth said: “We will maintain constant vigilance along our borders and against emerging threats. We will also ensure a high level of operational readiness to effectively respond to any national security challenge.”
An alumnus of the National Defense Academy, Khadakwasla, and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Seth was commissioned into the 2nd Lancers on 20 December 1986.
Speaking about the second element of the VIJAY acronym, he said: “My focus will be on innovation in both doctrine and technological solutions. Innovation will remain an integral part of our thinking, systems and capability development. At the same time, necessary transformations will be made in line with the changing character of warfare.”
Known for his professionalism and military acumen, he attended the Defense Services Command and General Staff Course at the Military College in Paris, the International Defense Procurement Management Course at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, the Mao High Command Course, and the National Defense College in New Delhi.
Interconnection and complementarity appeared next in the sequence.
“To enhance the operational effectiveness of the Indian Army, we will maintain full synergy and coordination with the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. I am fully aware that national security is not limited to military strength alone. It requires military-civilian integration and a whole-of-nation approach. This integrated approach will also enable us to contribute meaningfully to nation building and achieving the goal of Vixit Bharat 2047.”
Seth’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the armed forces advance theater, a long-awaited reform aimed at integrating the military’s resources into future conflicts. The Army is working to establish joint services commands, the main goal of the theater campaign. The model includes establishing a China-centric Northern Theater Command in Lucknow, a Pakistan-centric Western Theater Command in Jaipur, and a Naval Theater Command in Thiruvananthapuram.
Talking about Atmanirbharta and Yudha first, he said, “With indigenous capabilities and technologies, we must build a self-reliant army… to win our wars with indigenous solutions. In my opinion, from Agniveer to the greatest veterans, every one is a warrior. These Yudhas are the greatest strength of our army. Strengthening the technological threshold and training standards of our soldiers will be among my top priorities,” he added.
Seth paid tribute to India’s fallen braves at the National War Memorial and later reviewed the guard of honour. “It is a moment of great pride and humility for me to assume the responsibility as the 31st Chief of Staff of the Army. I accept this responsibility with an unwavering commitment to the ideals of duty, honor and nation first.”
Seth commanded the Skinner Horse Armored Regiment, an armored brigade, a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir, an assault corps on the Western Front, the South-Western Command and the Southern Command. He was deputy chief of the army before being appointed to this top position.
