Lt Gen Dheeraj Seth to be next Vice Chief of Army Staff from April 1

Published : Mar 06, 2026, 10:00 PM IST
Southern Army Commander, Lt Gen Dheeraj Seth (Photo/ANI)

Synopsis

Lt Gen Dheeraj Seth will be the new Vice Chief of Army Staff from April 1. This is part of a major command reshuffle, with Lt Gen PP Singh moving to the Western Army Command. New commanders have also been named for the Southern and Eastern commands.

Major Reshuffle in Indian Army's Top Brass

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.

VCOAS Awards Unit Citations for Exemplary Service

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.

IFSU Honoured for Service in Ladakh

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.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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