General Dhiraj Seth takes over as 31st Chief of the Army Staff
General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, has assumed office as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, who superannuated on 30 June 2026 after more than four decades of distinguished service to the nation. As the professional head of the Indian Army, General Seth brings to the appointment an exceptional combination of operational expertise, strategic vision and institutional leadership gained over nearly four decades of exemplary military service. His elevation marks the culmination of an illustrious career characterised by operational excellence, organisational transformation and an unwavering commitment to strengthening India’s defence capabilities.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, General Dhiraj Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Throughout his distinguished military career, he has served in a wide spectrum of command, staff and strategic appointments across varied operational environments. His extensive experience spans operational command, force modernisation, capability development and institutional planning, making him one of the Indian Army’s most accomplished senior leaders.
General Seth has commanded military formations at every level across some of the Army’s most challenging operational theatres. His command assignments began with an Armoured Regiment deployed in the Desert Sector, where he developed considerable expertise in armoured warfare and mechanised operations. He later commanded an Armoured Brigade in the Western Theatre, overseeing large-scale operational preparedness and combined arms training. His command experience also includes leading a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu & Kashmir, where he successfully managed complex security operations in one of the country’s most sensitive operational environments.
On promotion to the rank of Lieutenant General, General Seth assumed command of the prestigious Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Indian Army’s premier strike formations. In this role, he was responsible for maintaining high operational readiness, enhancing combat capabilities and preparing the Corps for conventional and integrated operations. His tenure reflected his ability to lead large operational formations while ensuring the highest standards of military preparedness and professional excellence.
Subsequently, General Seth served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Delhi Area, a prestigious appointment involving operational responsibilities as well as the conduct of important national and international military engagements. In this capacity, he oversaw ceremonial functions of national importance while ensuring effective coordination for defence-related events involving foreign military delegations and senior dignitaries.
Upon elevation to the rank of Army Commander, General Seth commanded both the South Western Command and the Southern Command, becoming one of the few officers to lead two operational Army Commands. Over a period of more than two and a half years, he exercised strategic oversight across critical operational theatres, strengthening force preparedness, enhancing operational capabilities and ensuring effective coordination across large military formations. His leadership during these appointments reinforced his reputation as a highly capable operational commander and strategic planner.
In addition to his field commands, General Seth has held several key staff and strategic appointments that have significantly shaped the Indian Army’s operational planning and long-term development. His responsibilities have included important assignments related to force management, operational planning and capability enhancement. These appointments enabled him to contribute substantially to institutional reforms, organisational efficiency and the development of future-ready military capabilities.
Widely recognised for his contributions to force modernisation, General Seth has played a pivotal role in the Strategic Planning and Capability Development verticals at Army Headquarters. His work has significantly influenced the Army’s modernisation roadmap, capability development strategy and long-term force structuring initiatives. He has been instrumental in aligning operational requirements with emerging technologies, strengthening indigenous capability development and preparing the Army for the evolving character of modern warfare. His vision has contributed to enhancing the Indian Army’s readiness to address future battlefield challenges through technological innovation and integrated operational concepts.
A distinguished scholar-soldier, General Dhiraj Seth has consistently excelled in professional military education. He has secured top positions in several courses of instruction, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence. He is a graduate of the Higher Command Course and the prestigious National Defence College, institutions that prepare senior military leaders for strategic responsibilities. He has also attended the renowned Command and Staff Course in Paris, broadening his understanding of international military affairs, joint operations and contemporary strategic thought.
Decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), General Dhiraj Seth’s career exemplifies distinguished service, visionary leadership and operational excellence. As the 31st Chief of the Army Staff, he assumes responsibility for leading the Indian Army through an era of rapid technological transformation, evolving security challenges and increasing emphasis on jointness and indigenous capability development. His extensive operational experience, strategic foresight and institutional leadership position him to guide the Army in strengthening its combat readiness while safeguarding India’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.
Indian Bureaucracy News wishes General Dhiraj Seth the very best.