Lt General Dhiraj Seth Appointed as Next Chief of Indian Army
India's government has announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff. Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Seth will take on his new role on June 30, 2026, following the retirement of General Upendra Dwivedi.
The decision was ratified by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, marking a pivotal leadership change within the Indian Army. With an extensive career spanning nearly four decades in the Armoured Corps, Lt Gen Seth is set to become the 31st Chief of the Army Staff.
Profile of the Incoming Chief
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth brings a wealth of operational expertise and strategic insight, having served in numerous command roles across various terrains. He graduated from the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla and the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun and was commissioned into the 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse) on December 20, 1986. He is the son of retired Lieutenant General Krishna Mohan Seth, a former Adjutant General of the Army.
Lt Gen Seth holds the position of Colonel of the Regiment of the Armoured Corps and boasts a stellar academic and military education. He has attended the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, where he was the top student in 2006, the Army War College in Mhow, and the National Defence College in New Delhi. His education also includes courses at the French Collège interarmées de Défense and the Naval Postgraduate School in the USA.
Decorations and Awards
His exemplary service has earned him several prestigious awards:
| Medal | Year |
|---|---|
| Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) | 2025 |
| Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) | 2026 |
| Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) | 2022 |
Additionally, he has received multiple commendations from the Chief of the Army Staff and Army Commanders, alongside various campaign and long-service medals.
Illustrious Command and Staff Career
Lt Gen Seth's career is marked by a series of escalating responsibilities in command, staff, and instructional roles. He has commanded an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, 98 Armoured Brigade, and Uniform Force in Jammu & Kashmir. His staff appointments include positions such as Brigade Major, Assistant Military Secretary, Brigadier General Staff at South Western Command, and Brigadier (Perspective Plans) in the Strategic Planning Directorate.
In higher command, he served as Additional Director General Weapons and Equipment at Army Headquarters, Director General (Discipline, Ceremonial and Welfare), and as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of XXI Corps and Delhi Area, overseeing major national and international events.
His tenure as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief for South Western and Southern Commands included leading during Operation Sindoor and the Trishul exercises. On April 1, 2026, he became the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding Lt Gen Pushpendra Pal Singh, with responsibilities in operational preparedness and modernization planning.
Significance of the Appointment
Lt Gen Seth's appointment as Chief of the Army Staff comes at a crucial time when the Indian Army is embracing reforms under "Decade of Reforms." His leadership is expected to guide the integration of emerging technologies and maintain a credible deterrence on critical fronts. His past experiences in leading operational commands and his vision for future-ready leadership align with the Army's strategic goals.
His succession to Gen Upendra Dwivedi ensures both continuity and stability within the higher echelons of military leadership, offering a seamless transition as the Army continues its modernization drive.
Forward Outlook
Upon assuming the role on June 30, 2026, Lt Gen Seth will be responsible for advising the Government on national security and spearheading ongoing modernization initiatives. His leadership is anticipated to enhance the Army's agility and technological capabilities while upholding the foundational values of service and commitment to India's sovereignty.
