The Indian Army on Wednesday announced a series of senior leadership appointments across its key operational commands, marking a transition at the highest levels of military leadership.
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth takes charge as Vice Chief of Army Staff
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth assumed the appointment of Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS). Commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986, he brings nearly four decades of operational and strategic experience.
He has commanded an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade, and a Counter Insurgency Force in Jammu & Kashmir. At higher ranks, he led the Sudarshan Chakra Corps and later served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area. He has also commanded both the South Western Command and Southern Command.
His staff roles include positions in strategic planning, capability development, and operations, along with international exposure through the United Nations Mission in Angola.
Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh assumes Western Command
Lieutenant General Pushpendra Pal Singh took over as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command on April 1, 2026. He succeeds Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, who retired on March 31.
An officer of the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), he was commissioned in December 1987. He has commanded formations in high-altitude and sensitive sectors along the Northern and Western borders and has participated in Operation Pawan.
Prior to this role, he served as Director General Operational Logistics and later as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, contributing to logistics integration and force structuring.
Lt Gen VMB Krishnan takes charge of Eastern Command
Lieutenant General VMB Krishnan has assumed charge as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, succeeding Lieutenant General RC Tiwari.
Commissioned in June 1988, he has held command, staff and instructional roles across varied operational environments. He has commanded units in high-altitude areas including Siachen, as well as an Infantry Division and the Brahmastra Corps.
His previous roles include Director General Information Technology and Defence Attaché in London. He also served as Quarter Master General at Army Headquarters.
Lt Gen Sandeep Jain assumes command of Southern Command
Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain assumed command as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, succeeding Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth.
Commissioned into the MAHAR Regiment in June 1988, he has commanded an Infantry Battalion, Brigade, Counter Insurgency Force and a Pivot Corps. His experience includes United Nations missions in South Sudan and Ethiopia, and multiple tenures in high-altitude and counter-insurgency areas.
He previously served as Chief of Staff at Headquarters Southern Command.
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