Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Appointed Next Army Chief; To Take Charge on June 30
The Central Government on Saturday announced the appointment of Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) in the rank of General. Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
Lieutenant General Seth will assume the Indian Army’s top position following the retirement of the incumbent Army Chief.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, the appointment will take effect from the afternoon of June 30, 2026.
He will formally succeed Upendra Dwivedi, who is scheduled to retire on the same day after completing his tenure as Army Chief.
The Defence Ministry described Lieutenant General Seth as a highly accomplished officer with nearly four decades of exemplary military service.
An alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy and a commissioned officer from the Armoured Corps, he has held a wide range of command, staff and strategic appointments throughout his distinguished career.
Extensive Command Experience Across Key Operational Theatres
Over the years, Lieutenant General Seth has led several important units and formations across varied operational environments.
His command assignments include leading an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade in the western theatre and a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu and Kashmir.
As a Lieutenant General, he commanded the renowned Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Indian Army’s principal strike formations tasked with maintaining operational readiness for large-scale military contingencies.
He later served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Delhi Area, where he oversaw numerous significant military, ceremonial and international engagements in the national capital.
Rare Distinction of Commanding Two Army Commands
The Ministry noted that Lieutenant General Seth achieved the rare distinction of heading two operational Army Commands during his career.
As Army Commander, he first led the South Western Command and subsequently took charge of the Southern Command, both of which are among the Indian Army’s most strategically important formations.
Over a period exceeding two-and-a-half years, he played a vital role in providing operational leadership, strengthening force preparedness and guiding strategic planning across key military theatres.
Officials stated that his tenure in these senior leadership positions significantly contributed to force management, operational effectiveness and long-term capability enhancement within the Army.
Key Role in Military Modernisation and Future Readiness
The Defence Ministry also highlighted Lieutenant General Seth’s contribution to the Indian Army’s modernisation initiatives and long-term strategic planning.
Through several key appointments connected to force transformation and capability development, he has been closely involved in aligning military preparedness with evolving security challenges and emerging technologies.
His efforts have focused on ensuring that the Army remains equipped to meet future battlefield requirements while integrating advanced technological solutions into operational planning.
Strong Academic and Professional Military Credentials
Apart from his extensive field and command experience, Lieutenant General Seth has also built an impressive record in professional military education.
He is a graduate of the Higher Command Course and the prestigious National Defence College. In addition, he attended the highly regarded Command and Staff Course in Paris, further enhancing his expertise in military strategy, leadership and international defence cooperation.
With a career spanning nearly 40 years and encompassing operational, administrative and strategic leadership roles, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth is set to take over the leadership of the Indian Army at a time when the force continues to focus on modernisation, technological transformation and strengthening its combat readiness in an increasingly complex security environment.
