The National Defence Academy’s 69th course, graduating in December 1985, produced a cohort that would later command the nation’s armed forces. A 1985 photograph of the cadets walking out of the academy has recently gone viral, reminding observers of their humble beginnings.
General Dhiraj Seth, who assumed the post of 31st Army chief on 30 June 2026, commanded armored units, brigades, and high‑level formations, including the South Western and Southern Commands, before serving as Vice Chief of Army Staff.
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, set to take charge of the Air Force on 31 October 2026, amasses over 3,500 flight hours across Mirage‑2000, MiG, Jaguar, Hawk and Tejas, and has led Central Air Command, served as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, and as Vice Chief of Air Staff.
Their simultaneous ascension is unprecedented in Indian military history, marking the first time two cadets from the same NDA batch and squadron hold the top positions in the Army and Air Force.
The appointments aim to reinforce joint operations and streamline inter‑service coordination ahead of the upcoming defense review.