The Indian government has approved a major leadership change in the armed forces by appointing Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of Army Staff. He is set to assume the position on June 30, 2026, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi.
Currently serving as the 49th Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Dhiraj Seth brings nearly four decades of military experience to the role. His appointment follows a long career that included several key operational, command, and administrative positions within the Indian Army.
Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 after graduating from the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun and the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla. Over the years, he has served in a variety of leadership roles across different regions and military formations.
His career includes command of an armoured regiment involved in desert operations and leadership of an armoured brigade in the western sector. He also held responsibilities in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir, where he gained extensive operational experience.
In later years, he commanded the XXI Corps, one of the Indian Army’s major strike formations. He also served as General Officer Commanding Delhi Area, overseeing both military operations and ceremonial duties in the national capital.
One of the most notable aspects of Dhiraj Seth’s career is his leadership of two major army commands. He headed the South Western Command from November 2023 to June 2024 and later led the Southern Command from July 2024 to March 2026. Defence analysts view this dual-command experience as a significant factor behind his elevation to the army’s top post.
Apart from field assignments, Lt Gen Seth has held several important staff positions at Army Headquarters. These roles included responsibilities related to operational planning, military capability development, discipline, welfare, and equipment management.
He also served as an instructor at leading military institutions and participated in the United Nations Angola Verification Mission during the 1990s, adding international experience to his military profile.
His service has been recognized through several prestigious awards. He received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022, the Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2025, and the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal in 2026. He has also earned numerous commendations for leadership and military service.
Lt Gen Seth comes from a family with a strong military background. His father, Lt Gen Krishna Mohan Seth (Retd.), served in senior positions within the Indian Army and later held gubernatorial offices in several Indian states. His brother currently serves in the Indian Navy as a Rear Admiral.
Known for his interest in sports, particularly tennis and golf, he is married to Komal Seth, who is involved in welfare initiatives supporting military families.
In other news read more about: Indian Air Force Pilot Killed After Aircraft Crashes in Assam
With his appointment now confirmed, Dhiraj Seth will take charge of the Indian Army at a time when military modernization and operational preparedness remain key priorities for the country’s defence leadership.
