General Dhiraj Kumar Seth assumed charge as India's new Chief of the Army Staff on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. He succeeded General Upendra Dwivedi, who retired after more than four decades of military service.
The Government of India appointed General Dhiraj Kumar Seth as the new Chief of the Army Staff. He officially took charge on June 30, 2026, replacing General Upendra Dwivedi following his retirement after over four decades of service in the Indian Army.
General Seth's appointment comes as the Indian Army continues its efforts toward modernization, technological advancement, and strengthening its operational capabilities in line with future security challenges.
General Dhiraj Kumar Seth's appointment marks the first time in nearly 30 years that an officer from the Armoured Corps has been appointed Chief of the Army Staff. General Shankar Roy Chowdhury, who served as Army Chief from 1994 to 1997, was the last officer from the Armoured Corps to hold the position.
General Seth received his initial military education at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. He was commissioned into the Indian Army's 2nd Lancers Regiment of the Armoured Corps on December 20, 1986. During his four-decade military career, he held a range of operational and strategic appointments.
General Seth completed advanced military training at several defence institutions in India and abroad. He attended the Higher Command Course at Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, the National Defence College in New Delhi, the Defence Services Command and General Staff Course at a military institution in Paris, France, and the International Defence Acquisition Management Course at the Naval Postgraduate School in California, United States.
General Seth commanded an armoured regiment during counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir. He also held key operational responsibilities along the western border and commanded a Strike Corps in the desert sector.
He served in senior leadership positions in both the South Western Command and the Southern Command. After being promoted to Lieutenant General, he commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps. He later served as General Officer Commanding (GOC), Delhi Area, where he coordinated and oversaw several national and international military activities.
In recognition of his service, General Seth has received several military honours. President Droupadi Murmu recently conferred upon him the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 for leadership in operational areas, military strategy, and contributions to national security.
As Chief of the Army Staff, General Seth assumes leadership at a time when the Indian Army is advancing the induction of modern weapon systems, indigenous defence technologies, artificial intelligence-based military systems, cybersecurity capabilities, and joint military operations. The Army is also expanding its operational capabilities in response to evolving border security conditions, regional strategic dynamics, and future warfare requirements.
