General Dhiraj Seth takes over as 31st Army Chief after retirement of General Upendra Dwivedi | Today’s news
General Dhiraj Seth took over as the 31st Chief of Army Staff on Tuesday (COAS), replacing General Upendra Dwivedi who relinquished the post on retirement. According to ANI, the change in leadership was formalized during a ceremony at the South Block Lawns in New Delhi, where a ceremonial guard of honor was presented to the outgoing army chief.
The appointment puts General Seth at the helm of the Indian Army at a time when the force continues to focus on strengthening operational capabilities, enhancing border readiness and accelerating military modernization.
An Armored Corps veteran takes command
According to information released by the company General Seth in the Ministry of Defense and graduated from the National Defense Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla before being commissioned into the Armored Corps in December 1986, according to an ANI report.
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General Dhiraj Seth took over as the 31st Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi after his retirement.
General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized his commitment to operational readiness and successful execution of missions like Operation Snow Leopard and Operation Sindoor during his tenure as Army Chief.
General Seth’s extensive military background, including the development of operational command and capabilities, is expected to enhance the Army’s operational effectiveness and support its transformation agenda.
The leadership reshuffle is significant as it comes during a period focused on strengthening operational capabilities, border readiness and military modernization amid evolving security challenges.
General Dwivedi expressed confidence in General Seth’s leadership, describing him as a seasoned soldier capable of upholding the traditions and operational excellence of the Army.
During his nearly four decades in uniform, he held a wide range of roles spanning operational command, strategic planning, capability development and institutional responsibilities. The ministry said his experience has helped improve the military’s operational effectiveness while supporting its long-term transformation agenda.
General Seth’s promotion follows a career in several key assignments that have provided him with experience in both field operations and senior military leadership.
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General Dwivedi expresses confidence in successor
Before handing over command, General Upendra Dwivedi said he was confident that the Indian Army would continue to advance under General Seth.
According to FLIGHTGeneral Dwivedi described his successor as a “seasoned soldier and capable leader”, adding that he believed the army would continue to uphold its traditions, professionalism and operational excellence under the new chief.
He also said he was assured of the institution’s future, adding that the military would remain committed to protecting the country’s interests while remaining ready to respond to evolving security challenges.
Earlier in the day, General Dwivedi paid tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
Separately, the Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) acknowledged the contribution of the outgoing chief in a post on X, saying his military career reflected dedicated service, strong leadership and sustained contribution to the ongoing transformation of the Army.
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General Dwivedi reflects on his tenure
Speaking at the farewell ceremony, General Dwivedi said that completing more than four decades in the Indian Army was the greatest honor of his life.
As he quoted FLIGHTHe said his journey from the Sainik School to becoming the Chief of Army Staff was both memorable and deeply fulfilling.
He also thanked serving personnel, veterans, military families and the people of India for their continued support and emphasized that the strength of the Army comes from the collective commitment of its soldiers rather than any individual.
General Dwivedi paid tribute to the personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while serving the nation and said their dedication remained the bedrock of the force.
With regard to his tenure, he said that the army has maintained a high degree of operational readiness across all sectors in the last two years. He also mentioned the successful execution of Operation Snow Leopard and Operation Sindoor and said that the missions reflected the readiness and professionalism of the forces. FLIGHT.
