General Dhiraj Seth Takes Charge as New Chief of Army Staff
General Dhiraj Seth Assumes Leadership of Indian Army
File image of Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth(Photo: @HALHQBLR/X)
New Delhi, July 1: General Dhiraj Seth expressed his enthusiasm regarding his recent appointment as the Chief of Army Staff, emphasizing his dedication to the principles of duty, honor, and prioritizing the nation.
Earlier in the day, General Seth honored fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial, followed by a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns.
He officially took over the role of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from General Upendra Dwivedi, who retired on Tuesday.
After receiving the Guard of Honour, General Seth saluted his father, retired Lt Gen K.M. Seth, and was acknowledged by his brother, Rear Admiral Ravnish Seth.
In a statement to the press, General Seth remarked, "It is a moment of joy and humility for me to assume the role of the 31st Chief of Army Staff. I embrace this responsibility with a steadfast commitment to the ideals of duty, honor, and 'Nation First'."
He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for entrusting him with the significant responsibility of leading the Indian Army.
General Seth also paid tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the nation, stating that their courage and dedication will inspire future generations.
He described the Indian Army as a "combat-ready and battle-hardened force," always prepared to adopt necessary technologies.
To address the evolving security challenges, he emphasized the need for modernization within the Army, stating, "We must pursue the modernization of the Army with renewed vigor and determination. Our goal is to create a technology-enabled, future-ready Army capable of operating across various domains."
General Seth outlined his key focus areas, represented by the acronym 'VIJAY'. The first letter 'V' stands for Vigilance and Readiness, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance regarding borders and emerging threats.
'I' signifies Innovation and Transformation, with a commitment to innovate in doctrine and technology, adapting to the changing battlefield.
'J' represents Jointness and Integration, aiming to enhance operational effectiveness through coordination with the Air Force and Navy, recognizing that national security involves a collective effort.
'A' stands for 'Atmanirbharta' (self-reliance), focusing on leveraging indigenous capabilities to build a self-sufficient Army.
Lastly, 'Y' for 'Yodha First' highlights the importance of every soldier, from the youngest Agniveer to the most senior veteran, as the Army's greatest strength.
General Seth reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare and empowerment of veterans and Veer Naris, emphasizing their integral role in the military family.
He acknowledged the contributions of former Army Chiefs, including General Upendra Dwivedi, whose leadership has shaped the Army into a formidable force.
In conclusion, he assured the citizens of India that the Indian Army is fully prepared to protect the nation's sovereignty and interests, embodying the guiding principles of Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation as the foundation for success.
"JAI Se VIJAY. Jai Hind," he concluded.