Gen Dhiraj Seth takes charge as India’s new Army Chief

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Jun 30, 2026: General Dhiraj Seth on Tuesday assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, who retired after more than four decades of distinguished service in the Indian Army.

A highly accomplished military officer, Gen. Seth takes command of the 1.3-million-strong Indian Army at a time when it is pursuing modernization, self-reliance in defence capabilities, and preparedness to meet evolving security challenges along the country’s borders.

Before his appointment as Army Chief, Gen. Seth served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, he was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986.

With nearly four decades of military service, Gen. Seth has held several key operational, strategic and administrative appointments. He earned the rare distinction of commanding two operational Army commands along the western front, serving as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of both the South Western Command, based in Jaipur, and the Southern Command.

His leadership comes at a time of a rapidly evolving global security environment, with modern warfare increasingly shaped by technological advancements and emerging strategic challenges.

Throughout his career, Gen. Seth has played a significant role in enhancing the Army’s operational readiness, capability development and long-term transformation. At Army Headquarters, he held important positions related to strategic planning, modernization and force structuring, contributing to the Army’s future capability roadmap.

Prior to becoming Vice Chief on April 1, he headed the Pune-based Southern Command, where he maintained a high level of operational preparedness during Operation Sindoor last year.

Gen. Seth has commanded formations at every level across diverse operational environments, including an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade in the western theatre, a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir, and the prestigious Sudarshan Chakra Corps. He also served as the General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, overseeing key military engagements and ceremonial responsibilities.

Recognized for his strategic vision and professional excellence, Gen. Seth has attended several prestigious military institutions, including the Higher Command Course, the National Defence College, and the Command and Staff Course in Paris. His extensive experience across operational, institutional and capability development domains is expected to guide the Indian Army’s continued modernization and preparedness for future challenges.