NEW DELHI: Assuming charge as the 31st Chief of Army Staff on Wednesday, General Dhiraj Seth underlined the need to push forward the Army’s modernization with renewed energy and a firm resolve to respond effectively to the evolving security environment.
The new Army Chief stated that the objective is to build a technology-enabled, future-ready Army that is fully empowered and capable of operating across multiple domains.
Terming the Indian Army a combat-ready and battle-hardened force fully prepared to meet every operational challenge, Gen Seth outlined his core focus areas using the acronym ‘VIJAY’. In this roadmap, ‘V’ stands for Vigilance along the borders and against emerging threats.
Elaborating on the acronym, Gen Seth said ‘I’ represents Innovation and Transformation. He noted that the focus will be on innovation in both military doctrine and technological solutions, which will remain integral to the Army’s systems and capability development. He added that necessary transformations will be undertaken to keep pace with the changing character of warfare.
The letter ‘J’ stands for Jointness and Integration. To enhance operational effectiveness, Gen Seth asserted that the Army will maintain complete synergy and coordination with the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
“I fully recognise that national security is not limited to military strength alone. It requires military-civil fusion and a whole-of-nation approach,” Gen Seth said, adding that this integrated approach will enable the force to contribute meaningfully to nation-building and the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Furthermore, ‘A’ stands for Atmanirbharta (self-reliance). The Army Chief emphasized the need to build a self-reliant Army using indigenous capabilities and technologies developed within the country, stating that the overall aim will be to win wars with indigenous solutions.
Lastly, Gen Seth explained that ‘Y’ stands for Yodha First, noting that every army personnel—from an Agniveer to the senior-most veteran—is a yodha (fighter).
“These yodhas are the greatest strength of our Army. Enhancing the technological threshold and training standards of our soldiers will be among my foremost priorities,” he said. He added that veterans and Veer Naris remain an integral part of the Army family, and their welfare, empowerment, and professional growth will be extremely important to him.
Concluding his address, Gen Seth assured the nation that the Indian Army remains fully prepared to protect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests of the country.
