Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth to Take Over as Army Chief on June 30

New Delhi, June 2026 : The government has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, who is scheduled to retire at the end of June. Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Seth will assume command of the Indian Army at a crucial time as the force accelerates its modernisation efforts and strengthens operational preparedness along India’s sensitive borders.

An officer from the Armoured Corps, Lt Gen Seth’s appointment is notable as he will become the first officer from the combat arm to head the Indian Army since General Shankar Roychowdhury, who served as Army Chief in the late 1990s. His expected tenure until August 2028 is likely to focus on enhancing military capabilities, advancing technology-driven warfare readiness, and implementing structural reforms aimed at creating a more agile and integrated fighting force.

A graduate of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Over the course of nearly four decades in uniform, he has built a distinguished career marked by a combination of operational leadership, strategic planning and institutional development.

His military journey has taken him through a wide range of command assignments across diverse operational environments. He commanded an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector and later led an Armoured Brigade in the western theatre, gaining extensive experience in conventional warfare operations. He also headed a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu and Kashmir, adding valuable expertise in internal security and counter-terrorism operations.

As a Lieutenant General, he commanded the prestigious Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Army’s premier strike formations responsible for maintaining high levels of operational readiness. His leadership in the formation further strengthened his reputation as a capable commander with deep knowledge of mechanised warfare and strategic force deployment.

Lt Gen Seth also served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Delhi Area, a position that involved overseeing important military engagements, ceremonial responsibilities and coordination of national and international defence events in the capital.

Following his promotion to Army Commander rank, he went on to lead both the South Western Command and the Southern Command, becoming one of the select few officers to command two operational Army Commands. During his more than two-and-a-half years in these key appointments, he provided strategic oversight across critical military sectors and played a vital role in maintaining operational preparedness.

Apart from his command experience, Lt Gen Seth has held several important staff and strategic appointments at Army Headquarters. These assignments allowed him to contribute significantly to operational planning, force management and long-term capability development.

He is widely recognised for his contribution to the Army’s modernisation initiatives. Serving in key positions related to Strategic Planning and Capability Development, he played an important role in shaping the Army’s future roadmap. His work focused on capability enhancement, technological integration, force restructuring and preparing the Army to meet the evolving challenges of modern warfare.

Military observers regard him as one of the architects of several ongoing transformation efforts aimed at ensuring that the Army remains future-ready in an increasingly complex security environment.

Academically, Lt Gen Seth has an impressive professional record. He is a graduate of the Higher Command Course and the prestigious National Defence College. He also attended the renowned Command and Staff Course in Paris, reflecting his broad strategic perspective and understanding of global military affairs.

His professional achievements and contributions to national security have earned him several distinguished honours, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and other service decorations.

With a rare blend of battlefield experience, strategic vision and expertise in force modernisation, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth is set to guide the Indian Army through a transformative period marked by technological advancement, integrated military structures and evolving regional security challenges.

Team Maverick.