Gen Dhiraj Seth unveils ‘VIJAY’ vision, pushes for faster Army modernisation

New Delhi, July 2. New Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth has stressed the urgency of accelerating the Indian Army’s modernisation drive to prepare for future conflicts, unveiling a five-point agenda under the acronym ‘VIJAY’ to guide the force’s transformation.

Addressing the media for the first time after receiving a ceremonial guard of honour at South Block on July 1, General Seth said the Army, despite being a combat-ready and battle-hardened force, must adapt swiftly to an evolving security environment marked by emerging and multidomain threats.

“Our aim is to build a technology-enabled, future-ready Army that is fully empowered and capable of operating across multiple domains,” he said.

General Seth, who assumed office as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff on June 30, takes charge at a critical juncture for the force as it grapples with manpower shortages while pursuing major modernisation initiatives, including the induction of new assault rifles, surveillance drones and body armour to enhance battlefield capabilities.

A significant portion of the Army remains deployed along the borders with China and Pakistan, while the need for rapid military modernisation gained renewed attention following last year’s conflict with Pakistan.

The Army chief said his leadership priorities would be guided by the acronym ‘VIJAY’ – Vigilance, Innovation and Transformation, Jointness and Integration, Aatmanirbharta, and Yodha First.

Describing vigilance as the first pillar, General Seth said the Army would maintain constant watch along the country’s borders and remain prepared to counter both conventional and emerging threats.

“We will ensure a high level of operational readiness to respond effectively to any challenge to national security,” he said.

On innovation and transformation, he emphasised the importance of adopting new technologies and updating military doctrines in response to the changing character of warfare.

“My focus will be on innovation in both doctrine and technological solutions. Innovation will remain an integral part of our thinking, systems and capability development, while necessary transformations will be undertaken to keep pace with the evolving nature of conflict,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of joint operations, General Seth said the Army would strengthen coordination and synergy with the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy to improve operational effectiveness across theatres.

He also placed strong emphasis on self-reliance in defence capabilities, saying indigenous technologies and home-grown solutions would be central to future military preparedness.

“We must build a self-reliant Army. The overall aim will be to win our wars with indigenous solutions,” he said.

Explaining the final element of his vision, “Yodha First”, General Seth said every soldier – from Agniveers to the senior-most officer – was a warrior and the Army’s greatest strength.

“Enhancing the technological threshold and training standards of our soldiers will be among my foremost priorities,” he said.