Who is the New Chief of Army Staff? Meet Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth!

Appointment of the New Army Chief

In a recent announcement, the government has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). This transition will take place on June 30, 2026, coinciding with the retirement of the current Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi.

Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Seth has a remarkable military background, having been commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla.

With a career spanning over 40 years, he has gained extensive experience in various operational, strategic, and institutional roles, significantly enhancing the Indian Army's combat capabilities and long-term evolution.

His command experience includes leading 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 has commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the elite strike formations of the Indian Army, and has also served as the General Officer Commanding for the Delhi zone, managing both national and international military events.

Lt Gen Seth has the unique distinction of having commanded two operational Army Commands, providing strategic oversight in critical areas for over 2.6 years.

Throughout his career, he has held various positions that have shaped operational planning, force management, and capability development.

He is well-regarded for his contributions to force modernization, influencing its trajectory and long-term structuring initiatives.

An accomplished military leader, Lt Gen Seth has excelled in various instructional courses, including the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College, and has attended the prestigious Command & Staff Course in Paris, showcasing his strategic insight and understanding of modern military dynamics.