Government Names New Army Chief
The Government of India has appointed Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). He will assume office on 30 June 2026, succeeding Upendra Dwivedi, who has been serving as the 30th Army Chief since June 2024.
Currently Serving as Vice Chief of Army Staff
Before being appointed Army Chief, Lt General Dhiraj Seth took over as the Vice Chief of Army Staff on 1 April 2026. He previously served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Southern Command and has held several key operational and leadership appointments during his distinguished military career.
Military Career Spanning Nearly Four Decades
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy, Lt General Seth was commissioned into the 2nd Lancers (Gardner's Horse) of the Armoured Corps on 20 December 1986.
Over his long career, he has commanded:
- Skinner's Horse Regiment
- 98 Armoured Brigade
- Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu & Kashmir
- XXI Corps (Strike Corps)
- Delhi Area
- South Western Command
- Southern Command
Extensive Operational and Staff Experience
Lt General Seth has served in a wide range of operational, staff, and instructional appointments, including:
- Brigade Major of an Independent Armoured Brigade
- Assistant Military Secretary at Army Headquarters
- Brigadier General Staff (Operations)
- Additional Director General, Weapons & Equipment
- Director General (Discipline, Ceremonial and Welfare)
- Instructor at NDA and School of Armoured Warfare
He also served with the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM III) as an Operations Officer.
Champion of Modernisation and Technology
Lt. Gen. Seth has consistently emphasized the importance of technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, cyber capabilities, and indigenous innovation in shaping the future battlefield. He has advocated for building a future-ready force capable of multi-domain operations and technological warfare.
Decorations and Honours
For his distinguished service to the nation, Lt General Dhiraj Seth has been awarded:
- Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM)
- Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM)
- Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM)
A New Chapter for the Indian Army
As the next Army Chief, Lt General Seth is expected to lead the Indian Army through a period of rapid transformation focused on:
- Military modernisation
- Indigenous defence capabilities
- Technology-driven warfare
- Jointness and integration among the armed forces
His vast operational experience and strategic outlook are expected to play a crucial role in strengthening India's defence preparedness.
Conclusion
The appointment of Lt General Dhiraj Seth as India's next Chief of Army Staff marks an important leadership transition for the Indian Army. With nearly 40 years of service, extensive command experience, and a strong focus on future warfare capabilities, he is set to guide the Army through its next phase of modernization and operational excellence.
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