New Delhi: The Government has appointed Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief of the Army Staff with effect from the afternoon of June 30, 2026.
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth will take over the position following the retirement of the present Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, who demits office on the same day.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986.
Over a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades, he has gained extensive experience across operational, strategic, capability development and institutional domains, making significant contributions to the Indian Army’s combat effectiveness and long-term transformation.
Throughout his career, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth has commanded formations at every level in diverse operational environments. His command assignments include leading an Armoured Regiment in the Desert Sector, an Armoured Brigade in the Western Theatre, and a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu & Kashmir.
As a Lieutenant General, he commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Indian Army’s premier strike formations, before serving as the General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, where he oversaw key national and international military engagements along with ceremonial responsibilities.
Following his elevation to the rank of Army Commander, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth commanded both the South Western Command and the Southern Command, earning the rare distinction of leading two operational Army Commands.
During this period of more than two and a half years, he provided strategic oversight across critical theatres while holding several key staff and strategic appointments that influenced operational planning, force management and capability development.
Widely recognised for his contributions to force modernisation, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth has served in pivotal appointments within the Strategic Planning and Capability Development verticals at Army Headquarters.
His efforts have played a significant role in shaping the Army’s modernisation trajectory, capability roadmap and long-term force structuring initiatives.
His work has also been instrumental in aligning operational requirements with emerging technologies and future battlefield imperatives.
An accomplished military professional, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth has consistently excelled in professional military education, securing top positions in courses of instruction.
He is a graduate of the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College and has also attended the prestigious Command & Staff Course in Paris, reflecting his broad strategic outlook and comprehensive understanding of contemporary military affairs.
With his appointment as the next Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth is set to assume leadership of the Indian Army from June 30, 2026, bringing decades of operational experience, strategic expertise and a strong focus on capability development and modernisation.
