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Lt Gen Dheeraj Seth Appointed Next Vice Chief of Army Staff from April 1

Lt Gen Dheeraj Seth, currently Southern Army Commander, will assume the role of Vice Chief of Army Staff on April 1. The reshuffle also sees Lt Gen PP Singh moving to lead the Western Army Command, with new appointments for the Eastern and Southern Commands. In a separate event, the Army awarded Unit Citations to six units, including one deployed in Leh-Ladakh, for exemplary service and bravery along the India-China border. The citations honor exceptional performance in extreme conditions, contributing to national security.

Key Points: Lt Gen Dheeraj Seth Named Next Vice Chief of Army Staff

  • Lt Gen Dheeraj Seth named next VCOAS
  • Lt Gen PP Singh moves to Western Command
  • Eastern and Southern Commands get new chiefs
  • Army unit in Ladakh awarded for bravery
2 min read

Lt Gen Dheeraj Seth to become Vice Chief of Army Staff on April 1

Lt Gen Dheeraj Seth to become Vice Chief of Army Staff on April 1. Key appointments and unit citations for Ladakh bravery announced.

"The citation recognises the unit's outstanding performance, devotion to duty, operational efficiency and acts of bravery - Army Statement"

New Delhi, March 6

The Southern Army Commander, Lt Gen Dheeraj Seth, will take over as the next Vice Chief of Army Staff on April 1 in New Delhi. The present VCOAS Lt Gen PP Singh would be taking over as the new Western Army Commander on the same day.

In Eastern Army Command, Lt Gen VMB Krishnan will be the next General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, while Lt Gen Sandeep Jain will be the new Southern Army Commander from April 1.

Earlier on February 6, Lt General PP Singh, Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) awarded Unit Citations to six Indian Army units for exemplary service, including the Intelligence and Field Security Unit (IFSU) deployed in the strategically sensitive Leh-Ladakh region on the occassion of Army Day.

The award ceremony was held on February 5, 2026, where Lt Gen Pushpendra Singh presented the Unit Citation to the Commanding Officer of IFSU, Colonel Jitendra Singh, and Subedar Major Mandeep Singh. The citation recognises the unit's outstanding performance, devotion to duty, operational efficiency and acts of bravery in the Eastern Ladakh sector along the India-China border.

According to an army official, the IFSU has been operating for the past two years in some of the most challenging and sensitive areas of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The unit has played a critical role in maintaining vigilance, gathering field intelligence and ensuring security in high-altitude and hostile terrain.

The citation specifically acknowledges the courage and discipline shown by the unit while carrying out tasks under extreme weather conditions and constant operational pressure. Their efforts have contributed significantly to safeguarding national security and maintaining stability in the border region.

The Unit Citations are among the highest collective honours in the Indian Army and are awarded to formations and units that demonstrate exceptional dedication and operational excellence.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Heartiest congratulations to all the officers on their new postings. The real heroes, however, are the units like the IFSU in Ladakh. Operating in those conditions for two years is beyond imagination. Salute to their bravery and sacrifice. Jai Hind!
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the recognition given to our brave soldiers, I wish the media would also focus more on the challenges they face daily—logistics, equipment, and the mental toll of high-altitude postings. The ceremony is good, but sustained support is better.
S
Sarah B
It's reassuring to see such a smooth transition of leadership. The strategic commands are in capable hands. The work of the IFSU unit is particularly impressive. Gathering intelligence in that terrain is no small feat.
K
Karthik V
A well-deserved Unit Citation. These soldiers are the true guardians of our borders. When we sleep peacefully at night, it's because of their vigilance in the freezing cold of Ladakh. We can never thank them enough.
V
Vikram M
Good to see the Eastern and Southern commands getting experienced leaders too. Stability at the top is key. Hope the new VCOAS focuses on modernisation and welfare of jawans. The nation's security depends on a motivated army.

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