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

New Delhi [India], March 6 (ANI): 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)