General Dhiraj Seth formally assumed office as the 31st Chief of Army Staff on Wednesday, outlining an ambitious roadmap to transform the Indian Army into a modern, technology-driven fighting force capable of meeting future security challenges.
Addressing officers after taking charge, General Seth described the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility, reaffirming his commitment to the principles of “Duty, Honour and Nation First.” He also expressed gratitude to the country’s leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Army.
The new Army Chief introduced his strategic blueprint under the acronym “VIJAY,” which he said would guide the Army’s priorities in the coming years. According to him, the framework focuses on strengthening border preparedness, embracing technological innovation, enhancing coordination among the three armed forces, promoting indigenous defence capabilities and placing soldiers at the centre of every decision.
Explaining the vision, General Seth said “V” stands for Vigilance and Readiness, highlighting the need to maintain constant operational preparedness against evolving security threats. “I” represents Innovation and Transformation, with emphasis on adopting advanced technologies and modern military doctrines to prepare for future battlefields.
He said “J” symbolises Jointness and Integration, stressing closer operational coordination between the Army, Navy and Air Force to improve combat effectiveness and support India’s long-term national security objectives.
The letter “A” reflects Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), with General Seth underscoring the importance of strengthening India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem and increasing the use of home-grown military technologies.
The final letter, “Y,” stands for Yoddha First (Soldier First), a principle that places the welfare, capability and morale of every member of the Army—from Agniveers to veterans—at the heart of institutional planning.
General Seth also paid tribute to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation and acknowledged the contributions of former Army Chiefs, saying their leadership had shaped the Indian Army into a strong and dependable force.
Concluding his address, he said the “VIJAY” vision would serve as the foundation for building a future-ready Army capable of protecting India’s interests in an increasingly complex security environment while supporting the country’s broader goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
