General Dhiraj Seth has assumed command as the 31st Chief of Army Staff, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, at a critical juncture where the Indian Army is undergoing significant transformation to become a self-reliant and future-ready force amidst evolving warfare and border challenges. General Seth, commissioned in the Armoured Corps in 1986 and an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, brings nearly four decades of diverse operational and strategic experience, having commanded formations at every level and served in key modernization and capability development roles, which will be instrumental as the Army accelerates induction of new technologies like drones and integrated battle groups. Despite notable progress in modernization efforts, the Army faces challenges with acquisition program delays and the need to translate long-term capability roadmaps into concrete contracts, making General Seth's operational focus and experience crucial in navigating this ongoing transformation and ensuring new equipment enters service effectively.

General Dhiraj Seth has assumed command as the 31st Chief of Army Staff, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, at a critical juncture where the Indian Army is undergoing significant transformation to become a self-reliant and future-ready force amidst evolving warfare and border challenges. General Seth, commissioned in the Armoured Corps in 1986 and an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, brings nearly four decades of diverse operational and strategic experience, having commanded formations at every level and served in key modernization and capability development roles, which will be instrumental as the Army accelerates induction of new technologies like drones and integrated battle groups. Despite notable progress in modernization efforts, the Army faces challenges with acquisition program delays and the need to translate long-term capability roadmaps into concrete contracts, making General Seth's operational focus and experience crucial in navigating this ongoing transformation and ensuring new equipment enters service effectively.

General Dhiraj Seth has assumed command as the 31st Chief of Army Staff, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, at a critical juncture where the Indian Army is undergoing significant transformation to become a self-reliant and future-ready force amidst evolving warfare and border challenges. General Seth, commissioned in the Armoured Corps in 1986 and an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, brings nearly four decades of diverse operational and strategic experience, having commanded formations at every level and served in key modernization and capability development roles, which will be instrumental as the Army accelerates induction of new technologies like drones and integrated battle groups. Despite notable progress in modernization efforts, the Army faces challenges with acquisition program delays and the need to translate long-term capability roadmaps into concrete contracts, making General Seth's operational focus and experience crucial in navigating this ongoing transformation and ensuring new equipment enters service effectively.

General Dhiraj Seth, on Tuesday, assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), taking over from General Upendra Dwivedi. 

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, General Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Over a military career spanning nearly four decades, he has gained experience across operational, strategic, capability development and institutional domains, contributing to the Indian Army's combat effectiveness and long-term transformation, the defence ministry noted.

Gen Seth assumed the reins of the 1.3 million-strong force at a time when the Indian Army is focusing on becoming a self-reliant and future-ready force while meeting challenges on the borders. The Indian Army is also in the midst of a major transformation, in the wake of rapid changes in the nature of warfare and the need to modernise and scale up its combat capabilities. 

As the Army continues to adapt to the changing character of wars that are seeing increasing emphasis on drones, loitering munitions, electronic warfare, integrated operations and emerging technologies, his experience in commanding formations at every level in diverse operational environments is expected to come in handy.

Over the past few years, in keeping with the changing warfare, the Indian Army has accelerated the induction of drones and loitering munitions while raising new formations such as Rudra Brigades, Bhairav Battalions, Ashni Drone Platoons, Shaktibaan Regiments, Divyastra Batteries, Electronic Warfare Brigades and Integrated Battle Groups as part of efforts to build a modern, agile and future-ready force.

However, this transformation is a work in progress.

There have been delays in several acquisition programmes. A report in The Print noted that combat and support arms await major upgrades in armoured platforms, artillery, air defence systems, tactical mobility vehicles and other equipment.

The report cited sources as saying that one of General Seth's biggest challenges would be translating the Army's long-term capability roadmap into contracts with set timelines and ensuring that new equipment enters service.

His wide-ranging operational experience across multiple theatres is expected to be an asset as he leads the Army through this phase of transformation.

General Seth has commanded formations 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 and Kashmir, giving him experience across conventional as well as counter-insurgency operations.

As a Lieutenant General, he commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Indian Army's premier strike formations, before taking over as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, where he oversaw key national and international military engagements and ceremonial responsibilities.

After being elevated to the rank of Army Commander, General Seth led both the South Western Command and the Southern Command, becoming one of the few officers to command two operational Army Commands. He provided strategic oversight across critical theatres for more than two-and-a-half years.

Apart from his field commands, General Seth, known within military circles as a grounded, no-nonsense and operationally focused commander, earning him the sobriquet "straight-talking tankman", has also held several key staff and strategic appointments that shaped operational planning, force management and capability development.

He is widely recognised for his contribution to the Army's modernisation efforts, as he served in important Strategic Planning and Capability Development appointments at Army Headquarters. In these roles, he helped shape the Army's modernisation roadmap, long-term force structure and capability development while aligning operational requirements with emerging technologies and future battlefield needs, the defence ministry said in a statement.

He has also distinguished himself in professional military education, securing top positions during courses of instruction. He is a graduate of the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College and has attended the prestigious Command & Staff Course in Paris.

Outgoing Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi expressed confidence in his successor while handing over command.

"Today, I am handing over this responsibility to General Dhiraj Seth. He is a seasoned soldier and a capable leader. I have full confidence that under his leadership, the Indian Army will scale even greater heights while upholding its glorious traditions, professionalism, and resolve," General Dwivedi said.

"As I hand over this charge today, I am fully confident about the future of the Indian Army; it will remain rooted in its traditions, stay vigilant regarding current challenges, and remain constantly prepared for any situation that may arise in the future," he added.

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