New Delhi : Lieutenant General Vijay Oberoi, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd.), former Vice Chief of Army Staff, passed away peacefully at the Chandigarh Army Hospital on June 14, 2026, after a brief illness. He was 84. With his demise, the nation has lost a courageous soldier, distinguished military strategist, and a relentless advocate for war-disabled soldiers.
Born on September 29, 1941, Lt Gen Vijay Oberoi was commissioned into the Maratha Light Infantry in June 1961. Throughout his life, he embodied the Regiment’s motto — “Duty, Honour, Courage.” During the 1965 Indo-Pak war while serving in Jammu & Kashmir, he suffered grievous injuries and lost his right leg. However, his spirit remained unshaken, and despite the disability, he continued serving the nation with distinction for more than four decades.
During his illustrious military career, he held several prestigious appointments including Director General Military Operations, Army Commander of Army Training Command (ARTRAC), and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command. He retired as the Vice Chief of Army Staff on September 30, 2001. He was also a graduate of the US Army War College and served as Military Adviser to Malaysia.
In recognition of his deep commitment to the Regiment, he was later appointed Colonel of the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, a rare honour he cherished deeply.
After retirement, Lt Gen Oberoi devoted himself to the welfare of soldiers and veterans. As Founder-President of the War Wounded Foundation and Founder-Director of the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), he worked tirelessly for the dignity, rehabilitation, and financial independence of war-disabled soldiers. He strongly believed that “war-disabled soldiers should be treated on par with martyrs.”
At the age of 72, he participated in the Mumbai Marathon on his prosthetic leg, inspiring thousands and proving that determination knows no retirement.
A respected military scholar and prolific writer, Lt Gen Oberoi authored numerous books, essays, and articles on defence and national security. Yet beyond his ranks and achievements, he will be remembered for his humility, courage, and unwavering dedication to the nation and the Maratha Light Infantry.
He is survived by his wife Mrs Daulat Oberoi, who stood by him throughout his journey, his daughters, his beloved Regiment, and countless admirers across the country. His life will continue to inspire generations of soldiers and citizens alike.
