General Dhiraj seth takes charge as 31st army chief (Img-Pinterast)
New Delhi: General Dhiraj Seth on Tuesday took charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, who retired after a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in the armed forces. His appointment came into effect from the afternoon of June 30, 2026.
An accomplished officer from the Armoured Corps, General Seth assumes command of the 1.3 million-strong Indian Army at a crucial time when the force is focusing on self-reliance, technological transformation and future-ready warfare capabilities. His elevation comes amid a rapidly changing global geo-strategic environment, where new-age technologies, drones, cyber capabilities and modern battlefield tactics are reshaping military preparedness.
General Seth is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Before taking over as the Army Chief, he served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. Over a military career spanning nearly four decades, he has handled key operational, strategic, institutional and capability-development assignments.
One of the most notable aspects of General Seth’s career is his rare distinction of commanding two operational Army commands — the South Western Command and the Southern Command. Both commands are considered strategically significant, especially in view of India’s security challenges along the western front.
General Seth has commanded formations at every level in diverse operational environments. His command assignments include an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade in the western theatre and a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu and Kashmir. As a Lieutenant General, he commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Army’s premier strike formations. He later served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, overseeing key national and international military engagements and ceremonial responsibilities.
A veteran of the Armoured Corps, General Seth is also reported to be the first officer from the Armoured Corps to head the Indian Army since General Shankar Roy Chowdhury, who retired in 1997.
Beyond his operational record, General Seth has played an important role in the Army’s modernisation roadmap. He has held key appointments in strategic planning and capability development at Army Headquarters, contributing to long-term force structuring, operational planning and the adoption of emerging technologies.
As Army Chief, General Seth is expected to guide major reforms, including greater use of drones and advanced battlefield systems, operationalisation of Integrated Battle Groups and progress towards integrated theatre commands aimed at improving coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force.
An accomplished military professional, General Seth is a graduate of the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College. He also attended the Command and Staff Course in Paris, reflecting his wider strategic exposure and understanding of contemporary military affairs.
