The Indian government has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi who retires on June 30, 2026; General Seth, currently the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, brings nearly 40 years of experience with an impressive operational record in various terrains and conflict zones, including counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir, and has held significant command positions such as commanding an Armoured Regiment, an Armoured Brigade, the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, and overseeing the Delhi Area, and was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy.

The Indian government has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi who retires on June 30, 2026; General Seth, currently the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, brings nearly 40 years of experience with an impressive operational record in various terrains and conflict zones, including counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir, and has held significant command positions such as commanding an Armoured Regiment, an Armoured Brigade, the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, and overseeing the Delhi Area, and was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy.

The Indian government has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi who retires on June 30, 2026; General Seth, currently the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, brings nearly 40 years of experience with an impressive operational record in various terrains and conflict zones, including counter-insurgency operations in Jammu & Kashmir, and has held significant command positions such as commanding an Armoured Regiment, an Armoured Brigade, the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, and overseeing the Delhi Area, and was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy.

The government, on Saturday, announced that Lt General Dhiraj Seth has been appointed as the next Chief of the Army Staff, taking over from Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi.

A highly experienced officer with an exceptional operational profile across diverse terrain and conflict environments, including counter-insurgency experience, General Seth will assume office on June 30. He is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS).

“The Government has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, presently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief of the Army Staff with effect from the afternoon of June 30, 2026. The present Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM retires from service the same day,” a statement from the defence ministry said.

Over a career spanning a period of nearly 40 years, the general officer has commanded at every level in diverse operational environments. His command assignments include an Armoured Regiment in the Desert Sector, an Armoured Brigade in the Western Theatre, and a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu & Kashmir. 

As a Lieutenant General, he commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Indian Army's premier strike formations. 

Later, he served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, overseeing key national and international military engagements and ceremonial responsibilities.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, he was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986.

On his elevation to Army Commander, Lieutenant General Seth went on to lead both the South Western Command and the Southern Command, earning the rare distinction of commanding two operational Army Commands, helping to provide strategic oversight across key theatres for more than two-and-a-half years.

“He has held several key staff and strategic appointments that have significantly influenced operational planning, force management and capability development,” the defence ministry stated.

Lieutenant General Seth is particularly recognised for his role in advancing the Army's modernisation efforts. At Army Headquarters, he held key appointments in the Strategic Planning and Capability Development verticals, where he contributed to shaping the Army's modernisation roadmap, long-term force structure and future capability requirements.

“His contributions have been instrumental in aligning operational requirements with emerging technologies and future battlefield imperatives,” according to the defence ministry statement.

He is a graduate of the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College, and has also attended the prestigious Command & Staff Course in Paris, reflecting his broad strategic outlook and understanding of contemporary military affairs.

TAGS