Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth assumes charge of South Western Command

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth assumes charge of South Western Command: On 1st November 2023, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth has taken over as the new General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Command, based in Jaipur, succeeding Lt Gen B S Raju, who retired a day earlier. The South Western Command is the Indian Army’s youngest command and oversees safeguarding India's border with Pakistan in Rajasthan and Punjab.

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Assumes Charge of South Western Command

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth has taken over the reins of the South Western Command of the Indian Army, situated in Jaipur, after Lieutenant General BS Raju's retirement. This command, often regarded as the youngest within the Indian Army, holds the responsibility of safeguarding India's borders with Pakistan in the regions of Rajasthan and Punjab, consisting of nearly 130,000 soldiers. Lt Gen Seth's extensive experience, including commanding significant military units and holding diverse staff appointments, positions him well to take the responsibility of this critical command.

Hailing from a family with a military background, Lt Gen Seth has previously led an array of military divisions, such as an armoured regiment, counter-insurgency forces, and a strike corps. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. The general officer commanded the Skinner's Horse, an armoured brigade, a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir, besides a Strike Corps on the Western Front, officials said. His assumption of charge is expected to bring a seasoned and proficient leadership approach to the South Western Command, showcasing a strategic blend of expertise and experience in enhancing the country's defense capabilities in the critical border regions.

On assuming the command of the South Western Command, Lt Gen Seth extended his warm greetings to the military personnel, their families, veterans, and defense civilian employees.

Who is Lt. Gen Dhiraj Seth?

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, assuming charge as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Command of the Indian Army, embodies a seasoned military leader with a rich history of diverse experiences. Having a background in military service, Lt. Gen. Seth's illustrious career path reflects a wealth of expertise, having commanded significant military units and held significant staff positions within the Indian Army. Let us look at different aspects related to his life below -

• Military Background: Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, the son of a retired three-star general, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His previous roles encompass commanding various military units, including the armoured regiment Skinner’s Horse, an armoured brigade, and a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Commanded Skinner’s Horse, an Armoured Brigade, Counter Insurgency Force in J&K, and a Strike Corps on the Western Front, showing diversified leadership.
  • Previously held the role of General Officer Commanding in Delhi Area, demonstrating his experience in various strategic positions.
  • Occupied multiple staff positions such as Brigade Major, Assistant Military Secretary, Brigadier General Service (Operations), and had three different tenures at the Army HQ, showcasing a diverse administrative career path.
  • Served as an Instructor and Assistant Adjutant at NDA, Khadakwasla, and as a Colonel Instructor at the School of Armoured Warfare, The Armoured Corps Centre & School, Ahmednagar, displaying his instructional roles.
  • Excelled in multiple courses, achieving distinctions such as the ‘Silver Centurion’ in the Young Officers’ Course, topping both the Radio Instructor and Junior Command Course, and being recognized as the "Best All Round Student" at the Defence Services Staff College Course at Wellington.
  • Completed prestigious courses like the Defence Services Command and General Staff Course at Military College, Paris, France, Higher Command Course at Mhow, and the National Defence College at New Delhi, emphasizing his advanced military education.
  • Awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for his notable service contributions, reflecting his commitment and dedication to the military.
• Leadership Experience: Before leading the South Western Command, Lt Gen Seth served as the General Officer Commanding of the HQ Delhi Area, where he oversaw significant events like commanding the Republic Day parade, India’s most significant ceremonial event.
• Educational and Staff Appointments: Lt Gen Seth is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Military Academy. His diverse staff appointments include positions such as Brigade Major of an Independent Armoured Brigade, Assistant Military Secretary at MS Branch, and Brigadier General Staff (Operations) at HQ South Western Command.
• International Experience: Lt Gen Seth also served with the United Nations Angola Verification Mission-III (UNAVEM-III) as an Operations Officer from 1995 to 1996.

With a commendable career spanning various leadership roles and diverse experiences, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth's assumption of charge is expected to further strengthen the South Western Command's operations in guarding India's borders, showcasing a blend of seasoned leadership and extensive expertise.

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