General Dhiraj Seth Takes Charge as India’s 31st Chief of the Army Staff
Veteran Armoured Corps officer succeeds General Upendra Dwivedi after nearly four decades of distinguished military service
Commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986, General Seth is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, and has built an extensive military career across operational, counter-insurgency and strategic assignments.
NEW DELHI: General Dhiraj Seth on Tuesday assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, who retired after more than four decades of distinguished service in the Indian Army.
An officer of the Armoured Corps, General Seth brings with him nearly 40 years of operational, strategic and leadership experience, having commanded formations from the regimental level to two Army Commands while playing a pivotal role in the Army’s capability development and modernisation initiatives.
Commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986, General Seth is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, and has built an extensive military career across operational, counter-insurgency and strategic assignments.
Extensive command experience
General Seth has commanded 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 Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Indian Army’s premier strike formations, before serving as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Delhi Area, where he oversaw key national and international military engagements and ceremonial responsibilities.
After being elevated as an Army Commander, he led both the South Western Command and the Southern Command, becoming one of the few officers to command two operational Army Commands. His tenure involved strategic oversight across critical operational theatres for more than two and a half years.
Driving military modernisation
Apart from operational leadership, General Seth has played a significant role in shaping the Indian Army’s long-term transformation strategy.
He has held several important appointments in the Army Headquarters dealing with strategic planning and capability development, contributing to force modernisation, future force structuring and the integration of emerging technologies into military operations.
His work has focused on aligning operational requirements with evolving battlefield technologies and preparing the Army for future warfare challenges.
Distinguished military education
General Seth has consistently excelled in professional military education throughout his career.
He is a graduate of the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College (NDC) and has also attended the prestigious Command & Staff Course in Paris, equipping him with extensive strategic and international military perspectives.
His distinguished service has earned him several high military honours, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM).
Leadership at a critical juncture
General Seth takes over the Army’s leadership at a time when India is accelerating defence modernisation, strengthening indigenous military capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, network-centric warfare and next-generation armoured systems into its defence preparedness.
His experience in operational command, strategic planning and force capability development is expected to play an important role as the Indian Army continues its transformation into a technology-driven, future-ready force capable of addressing emerging security challenges across multiple domains.
