New Delhi: In a move that underscores the Indian Army’s sharpening focus on integrated warfare and international defence diplomacy, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS), held a high-level interaction with participants of the 20th Higher Defence Orientation Course (HDOC-20). The interaction took place during delegation’s ongoing Forward Area and Cultural Tour, a critical phase of the curriculum that bridges tactical reality with strategic policy.
The HDOC-20 delegation, comprising a diverse cohort of senior officers from the Indian Armed Forces and representatives from Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs), is currently navigating an intensive program designed to synthesize geostrategic theory with operational practice.
Addressing the future military leadership, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, who recently assumed the role of VCOAS amidst a significant command reshuffle in April 2026, delivered a clear-eyed assessment of the modern battlefield. He urged the officers to transcend traditional silos and prepare for the complexities of a multi-domain operational environment.
“The contemporary security landscape is no longer confined to the kinetics of land, sea, and air. It is increasingly defined by the seamless integration of cyber, space, and electronic warfare,” the VCOAS emphasized.
Gen Seth stressed that future commanders must possess the agility to operate within these overlapping spheres, where information superiority and technological ‘connect’ are as vital as boots on the ground. The General’s remarks reflect the Indian Army’s broader transition toward ‘Integrated Battle Groups’ and enhanced theatre-level synergy.
A cornerstone of the VCOAS’s address was the imperative of strategic connect in fostering international cooperation. By including officers from allied nations, the HDOC-20 serves as a powerful platform for ‘Defence Diplomacy.’ Lt Gen Seth underscored that strengthening these bonds is not merely a diplomatic gesture but a strategic necessity for regional stability and shared security objectives.
The interaction highlighted how such courses allow Indian and foreign officers to Exchange best practices in high-altitude and counter-insurgency operations, Develop a shared lexicon for multi-national peacekeeping and disaster relief and Build lasting professional networks that streamline interoperability during joint exercises.
The ongoing tour is meticulously structured to provide a 360-degree view of India’s strategic posture. The delegation has already visited forward positions, including recent assessments at the Fire and Fury Corps, where they observed first-hand the logistical and operational challenges of high-altitude warfare.
Complementing these rugged field visits, the tour also integrates a ‘Cultural Segment.’ By showcasing India’s rich heritage and diverse civilizational history, the program ensures that participants, especially those from foreign nations, understand the cultural fabric that informs India’s policy formulation and its role as a responsible global power.
As HDOC-20 progresses, the interaction with the VCOAS serves as a pivotal moment, aligning the training of these future leaders with the highest levels of military thought and national strategy.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.