📅 July 02, 2026 : The Indian Army is a combat-ready and battle-hardened force, fully prepared to confront every challenge on the battlefield, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth affirmed on Wednesday while outlining his vision for a modern, technology-driven military under the acronym ‘VIJAY’.
After taking charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on July 1, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, Gen Seth received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at South Block in New Delhi before addressing the media. Describing the appointment as a moment of “pride and humility,” he pledged to uphold the highest ideals of duty, honour, and nation first.
“The Indian Army is a combat-ready, battle-hardened force that is always prepared to face every challenge on the battlefield,” Gen Seth said, emphasizing the Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and security.
Paying heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in service of the nation, the Army Chief said their courage, sacrifice, and selfless dedication would continue to inspire generations of soldiers and citizens alike.
‘VIJAY’ – A Blueprint for the Future
Recognizing the rapidly evolving global security environment, Gen Seth announced a comprehensive vision to transform the Indian Army into a technology-enabled, future-ready force capable of operating seamlessly across multiple domains.
To achieve this objective, he introduced the acronym ‘VIJAY’, representing the Army’s key priorities:
- V – Vigilance: Maintaining constant operational readiness and situational awareness.
- I – Innovation: Leveraging cutting-edge technologies and modern warfare capabilities.
- J – Jointness and Integration: Strengthening coordination among the Armed Forces and integrating advanced systems.
- A – Aatmanirbharta: Promoting self-reliance through indigenous defence manufacturing and innovation.
- Y – Yodha First: Prioritizing the welfare, empowerment, and operational effectiveness of every soldier.
Gen Seth stated that these focus areas align with the Defence Ministry’s ‘Decade of Transformation’ (2023–2032) roadmap envisioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to modernize and restructure the Indian Army.
Distinguished Military Career
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Gen Dhiraj Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. During his distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades, he earned the rare distinction of commanding two operational Army Commands along the western front. Before assuming the Army’s highest office, he served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
With the launch of the ‘VIJAY’ vision, Gen Seth has signaled a determined push toward modernization, technological advancement, self-reliance, and enhanced joint operational capability, while keeping the Indian soldier—the ‘Yodha’—at the heart of the Army’s transformation.
