Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth appointed as next Chief of Army Staff. who is that | Today’s news
The government said on Saturday that Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth has been appointed as the next Chief of Army Staff. He is to take up his post on June 30.
“I am directed to convey the President’s assent to the appointment of Lt. Gen. Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM as the next Chief of the Army Staff in the substantive rank of General, with effect from June 30, 2026, to Lt. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM,” said a Defense Ministry statement dated Aug. 28 to Aug. 31.
Who is Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth?
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth is a graduate of the National Defense Academy, Khadakwasla and was commissioned into the Armored Corps in December 1986, according to a PIB report.
In his military career spanning nearly four decades, he has had extensive experience in the operational, strategic, capability development and institutional domains, which has contributed significantly to the combat effectiveness and long-term transformation of the Indian Army, the report said.
A general officer has commanded at all levels in a variety of operational environments. His command assignments include an armored regiment in the desert sector, an armored brigade in the western theater and counter-insurgency forces in Jammu and Kashmir.
As a lieutenant general, he commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the premier strike formations of the Indian Army. He subsequently served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, overseeing key national and international military engagements and ceremonial duties.
After being promoted to army chief, the officer commanded the South Western Command and the Southern Command, earning him the rare distinction of commanding two operational army commands and providing strategic oversight of critical areas for more than two-and-a-half years, the report said.
“He held several key staff and strategic meetings that significantly impacted operational planning, force management and capability development,” the PIB report said.
Widely recognized for his contributions to force modernization, the general officer has made key appointments in the Army Command’s strategic planning and capability development verticals, shaping its modernization trajectory, capability plan and long-term force structuring initiatives.
His contributions were critical in aligning operational requirements with emerging technologies and future battlefield imperatives.
Lt. Gen. Dhiraj Seth is a highly qualified military officer who has consistently distinguished himself in his professional military education by attaining the highest ranks in various training programs.
He completed the Senior Command Course and the National Defense College program and also attended the renowned Command and Staff Course in Paris, which highlighted his strong strategic perspective and deep understanding of modern military affairs.
