13 June,2026 07:28 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Lt Gen Seth has commanded military formations at every level across diverse operational environments. Pic/PTI
The Government of India has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). He will assume charge from the afternoon of June 30, 2026, following the retirement of General Upendra Dwivedi on the same day.
Lt Gen Seth is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and brings nearly four decades of military experience to the top post.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986.
Over the course of his career, he has served in a variety of operational, strategic and leadership roles, contributing to the Indian Army's combat readiness and long-term modernisation efforts.
Lt Gen Seth has commanded military formations at every level across diverse operational environments.
His major command assignments include:
- Command of an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector
- Leadership of an Armoured Brigade in the western theatre
- Command of a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu and Kashmir
- Command of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Army's premier strike formations
- General Officer Commanding (GOC), Delhi Area
His tenure in these roles involved overseeing operational preparedness, strategic planning and important national and international military engagements.
After his promotion to Army Commander, Lt Gen Seth led both the South Western Command and the Southern Command.
Military officials noted that he earned the rare distinction of commanding two operational Army Commands, providing strategic oversight across critical regions for more than two-and-a-half years.
Lt Gen Seth is widely recognised for his contribution to force modernisation and capability development.
At Indian Army Headquarters, he held several important appointments linked to strategic planning and military transformation. His work focused on modernisation of military equipment, capability development, long-term force structuring, integration of emerging technologies and preparing the Army for future battlefield challenges.
Officials said his efforts helped align operational requirements with evolving technological and security needs.
Lt Gen Seth has an impressive record in professional military education and has consistently secured top positions in training courses.
His academic achievements include Higher Command Course, National Defence College (NDC) and Prestigious Command and Staff Course in Paris, France.
These qualifications have contributed to his broad strategic outlook and understanding of modern military affairs.
With General Upendra Dwivedi set to retire on June 30, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth will take over as the Chief of the Army Staff, leading the Indian Army through its next phase of operational preparedness, technological transformation and strategic development.
