On 1 July 2026 General Dhiraj Seth assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff and unveiled the “VIJAY” vision to transform the Army into a technology‑enabled, future‑ready and self‑reliant force.
VIJAY — core elements
- Vigilance: Maintain operational readiness and persistent alertness along borders and against new threats.
- Innovation: Modernise doctrine and integrate cutting‑edge technologies into force structures.
- Jointness: Enhance interoperability with the Indian Air Force and Navy and adopt a Whole‑of‑Nation approach.
- Aatmanirbharta: Prioritise indigenous capability development and “Winning Our Wars with Indigenous Solutions”.
- Yoddha First: Prioritise soldier welfare, training standards, technological skills, Agniveers and veterans.
Operational and organisational priorities
- Technology integration: Emphasis on sensors, C4ISR, AI, electronic warfare and networked platforms for situational awareness.
- Border posture: Sustained focus on forward readiness and rapid mobilisation along land frontiers.
- Joint operations: Drive for combined arms and tri‑service operational concepts and joint logistics.
Chief’s profile
- Service background: Nearly four decades in service; Armoured Corps, counter‑insurgency in Jammu & Kashmir, commanded South Western and Southern Commands.
- Professional education: Graduate of the National Defence Academy and National Defence College; completed Command and Staff Course in Paris.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- 31st COAS: Assumed office on 1 July 2026, succeeding the previous Chief.
- Agniveer: Recruits under the Agnipath scheme are a specified focus in soldier‑welfare and training plans.
- Aatmanirbharta linkage: Aligns with Ministry of Defence efforts on indigenisation involving DPSUs and private industry.