General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, has officially taken charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, who recently retired after over four decades of commendable service. The formal transfer of command took place on June 30, 2026, during a solemn ceremony held at the South Block Lawns in New Delhi.
During the event, General Dwivedi was honored with a ceremonial Guard of Honour before laying a wreath at the National War Memorial, paying tribute to the sacrifices made by soldiers. General Dhiraj Seth now assumes command of an army comprising 1.3 million personnel, surrounded by high-ranking military and civilian officials.
### A Distinguished Career Spanning Nearly Four Decades
General Seth, an esteemed Armoured Corps officer, is a graduate of the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla. He was commissioned into the 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse) on December 20, 1986, making him the third officer from his regiment to become the Chief of the Army Staff and the seventh from the Armoured Corps.
His nearly 40-year career showcases a trajectory marked by significant operational, strategic, and leadership accomplishments. He has held several prominent command and staff positions across various operational terrains, 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 prestigious Sudarshan Chakra Corps (XXI Corps), one of the Army’s key strike formations based in Bhopal.
General Seth’s remarkable leadership was evident during his command of two operational Army Commands along the western front, serving first as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Command from November 2023 to June 2024, followed by the Southern Command from July 2024 to March 2026. His contributions during Operation Sindoor earned him the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) in recognition of his exemplary leadership.
Prior to his promotion as COAS, General Seth served as the 49th Vice Chief of the Army Staff from April 1, 2026. He has held vital staff roles at Army Headquarters, significantly impacting the Army’s modernization initiatives, capability development, and long-term structuring.
### Professional Military Education and International Exposure
Throughout his career, General Seth has demonstrated a commitment to continuous learning and professional military education. He graduated from the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington, where he was named the best all-round student in 2006. He further honed his skills at the Army War College in Mhow and the National Defence College in New Delhi. His international exposure includes attendance at courses in France’s Collège interarmées de Défense and the International Defense Acquisition Management Course at the Naval Postgraduate School in the USA. Additionally, he served with the United Nations Angola Verification Mission III (UNAVEM III) as an operations officer during the mid-1990s.
### Awards and Decorations
General Seth’s exemplary service is reflected in his numerous accolades, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), alongside several commendations from the Chief of the Army Staff and Army Commanders, as well as various campaign and long-service medals.
### Family Legacy and Personal Life
General Seth hails from a prominent military family. He is the son of retired Lieutenant General Krishna Mohan Seth, who served as the Adjutant General of the Indian Army and commanded both XXI Strike Corps and III Corps. His younger brother, Rear Admiral Ravnish Seth, is a serving officer in the Indian Navy. Married to Mrs. Komal Seth, the couple has two daughters. Outside of his professional commitments, General Seth is an enthusiastic sportsman, particularly enjoying tennis and golf.
### Strategic Priorities and the Road Ahead
As he steps into his new role, General Dhiraj Seth takes command at a pivotal moment for the Indian Army, which is focused on enhancing operational readiness and accelerating indigenous modernization through the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. His considerable experience in commanding strike formations and counter-insurgency operations effectively positions him to lead the Army as it adapts to a dynamic geo-strategic landscape.
General Seth aims to build upon the groundwork established by his predecessors, promoting greater self-reliance, improved combat effectiveness, and sustained readiness for the challenges ahead. The Indian Army, alongside the nation, extends its best wishes to General Dhiraj Seth for a successful and impactful tenure as the new Chief of the Army Staff, anticipating that his leadership will further solidify the Army’s vital role in national security.
