President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) on Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-II) held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 29 June 2026, in recognition of his distinguished service of an exceptional order during military operations.
At the time of receiving the honour, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth was serving as the 49th Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS), an appointment he assumed on 1 April 2026. He later took over as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff on 30 June 2026.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the prestigious 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse) on 20 December 1986. He has also attended the Defence Services Staff College, Army War College, National Defence College, the French Collège Interarmées de Défense, and the International Defense Acquisition Management Course at the Naval Postgraduate School, United States.
During a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades, Lt Gen Seth commanded several key formations, including 1st Horse (Skinner’s Horse), 98 Armoured Brigade, Uniform Force in Jammu & Kashmir, XXI Corps, Delhi Area, South Western Command, and Southern Command. He also held important appointments at Army Headquarters, including Director General (Discipline, Ceremonial and Welfare) and Additional Director General (Weapons and Equipment).
An experienced Armoured Corps officer, he also served with the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM III) and held instructional appointments at the National Defence Academy and the School of Armoured Warfare, contributing significantly to professional military education and operational excellence.
The Uttam Yudh Seva Medal recognises Lt Gen Seth’s outstanding operational leadership and exceptional service in enhancing the Indian Army’s combat readiness and operational capability.
Prior to this honour, he had been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), along with commendations from the Chief of the Army Staff and Army Commanders.
