General Dhiraj Seth Takes Charge As India’s New Army Chief

General Dhiraj Seth officially assumed charge as the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on Tuesday, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi following his retirement. His appointment marks the return of an Armoured Corps officer to the Army’s top position for the first time since General Shankar Roychowdhury served as Chief in 1997.

Having served the Indian Army for almost four decades, General Seth brings extensive expertise in operational command, strategic planning and organisational leadership. His tenure, expected to continue until August 2028, comes as the Army advances major reforms in force modernisation, integrated theatre commands and border security.

A graduate of the National Defence Academy, General Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986.

Throughout his career, General Dhiraj Seth has led formations across a variety of operational environments, including an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade in the western theatre, and a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu and Kashmir. He later commanded the elite Sudarshan Chakra Corps as a Lieutenant General before serving as the General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, where he managed military operations, ceremonial responsibilities and coordination for significant events held in the national capital.

After his elevation as Army Commander, General Seth commanded both the South Western Command and the Southern Command, becoming one of the few officers to lead two operational Army Commands. His contributions also extended to Army Headquarters, where he held senior appointments in strategic planning and capability development.

Education and Honours

General Seth has completed advanced military education through the Higher Command Course, the National Defence College, and the Command and Staff Course in Paris. His distinguished service has earned him several prestigious honours, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and other service awards.

As he begins his tenure, General Dhiraj Seth will steer the Indian Army through an evolving security landscape while strengthening its operational capabilities and preparing the force for future combat challenges.

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