Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth Appointed Next Chief of the Army Staff, Set to Assume Office on June 30

Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General Seth is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 and has since built a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades.

Throughout his service, Lieutenant General Seth has accumulated extensive experience across operational, strategic, capability development, and institutional domains. His contributions have played a crucial role in enhancing the Indian Army’s combat effectiveness and advancing its long-term transformation initiatives. Widely recognized for his efforts in force modernization, he has been instrumental in aligning operational requirements with emerging technologies and future battlefield demands.

During his career, he has commanded an armoured regiment, an armoured brigade, and a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir. As a Lieutenant General, he led the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Indian Army’s premier strike formations. He later served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, where he oversaw key national and international military engagements as well as ceremonial responsibilities.

Following his elevation to Army Commander, Lieutenant General Seth commanded both the South Western Command and the Southern Command, earning the rare distinction of leading two operational Army Commands. In these roles, he provided strategic oversight across critical theatres for more than two years.

An accomplished military professional, Lieutenant General Seth has consistently excelled in professional military education, securing top positions in instructional courses. He is a graduate of the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College and has also attended the prestigious Command and Staff Course in Paris. His academic achievements reflect a broad strategic outlook and a deep understanding of contemporary military affairs.

General Upendra Dwivedi, the outgoing Chief of the Army Staff, assumed office as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff in June 2024, succeeding General Manoj Pande. A highly accomplished military leader, General Dwivedi has served in the armed forces for more than four decades.

An alumnus of Sainik School in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, General Dwivedi was commissioned into the Regiment of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in 1984. During his career, he earned distinction through balanced command and staff appointments across the Northern, Eastern, and Western theatres, serving in diverse operational environments.

General Dwivedi assumed command of the Army during a period marked by a dynamic global geostrategic environment. His tenure coincided with growing security challenges driven by technological advancements and the rapidly evolving character of modern warfare.

The appointment of Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff underscores the Indian Army’s continued focus on operational readiness, modernization, and strategic transformation. With extensive command experience, a strong academic background, and a proven record of leadership across critical military formations, he is set to lead the force through an increasingly complex and technology-driven security landscape.