Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth to be India's next Army Chief; will assume office on June 30

New Delhi: The Central Government has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of Army Staff. He will assume the office on June 30.

What did the defence ministry say? 

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said, "I am directed to convey that the President has approved the appointment of Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth (PVSM, UYSM, AVSM) to the rank of General as the next Chief of Army Staff. This appointment will be effective from June 30, 2026, and he will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi. Lieutenant General Seth's tenure will extend until August 31, 2028."

Lieutenant General Seth has held several key staff and strategic positions, including Brigade Major of an Independent Armoured Brigade in Jammu & Kashmir, Operations Officer with the United Nations Mission in Angola, Assistant Military Secretary at Army Headquarters, Brigadier General Staff (Operations) at Headquarters South Western Command, and Director General (Discipline, Ceremonial, and Welfare).

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth was appointed Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) on April 1 of this year. He has now been appointed as the Chief of Army Staff. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. His career spans nearly four decades, during which he has gained extensive operational experience while serving in diverse terrains and conflict environments.

Lieutenant General Seth completed courses in the US and Paris.
Lieutenant General Seth has undergone training in the International Defence Acquisition Management Course at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California (USA); the Defence Services Command and General Staff Course at the Military College in Paris; the Higher Command Course in Mhow; and the National Defence College in New Delhi. Additionally, he has commanded an armored regiment in a desert sector, an armored brigade in a developed sector, and a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir.

Is Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth known for Indian Army modernization? 

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth has always been a competent military officer and has excelled in professional military education. He is a General Officer widely recognized for his contributions to Army modernization. He has served in key positions within the Strategic Planning and Capability Development branches at Indian Army Headquarters, playing a pivotal role in shaping the direction of Indian Army modernization, the roadmap for capability development, and long-term Indian Army initiatives.