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The Centre on Saturday appointed Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). He will take over the post on June 30, following the retirement of General Upendra Dwivedi.
The Ministry of Defence said the President has approved the appointment of Lt Gen Seth in the substantive rank of General with effect from June 30, 2026. He will serve as the Army Chief till August 31, 2028.
The official communication stated, “The President has approved the appointment of Lt General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, as the next Chief of the Army Staff in the substantive rank of General with effect from June 30, 2026, vice General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM.”
Currently serving as Vice Chief of Army Staff
Lt Gen Seth is presently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. During his career, he has held several important operational, staff, and strategic appointments in the Indian Army.
Nearly four decades of military service
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. During a military career spanning nearly 40 years, he has gained extensive experience in operational, strategic, capability development and institutional domains, contributing significantly to the Indian Army’s combat preparedness and long-term transformation.
Commanded from regiment level to Army Commands
Lt Gen Seth has held command appointments at every level across diverse operational environments. His key assignments include commanding 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 Army’s premier strike formations. He later served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, where he oversaw important national and international military engagements and ceremonial responsibilities.
On his elevation as Army Commander, he led both the South Western Command and Southern Command, becoming one of the few officers to command two operational Army Commands. He provided strategic oversight across critical theatres for over two and a half years.
Played key role in Army modernisation
Lt Gen Seth has also served in several crucial staff and strategic positions, influencing operational planning, force management and capability development. He held important appointments in the Strategic Planning and Capability Development branches at Army Headquarters, where he contributed to the Army’s modernisation roadmap, force restructuring and future combat readiness.
Trained at premier military institutions
A distinguished military professional, Lt. Gen. Seth has consistently excelled in professional military education and secured top positions in various courses. He is a graduate of the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College. He also attended the prestigious Command and Staff Course in Paris, reflecting his broad strategic outlook and understanding of contemporary military affairs.
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