New Delhi, June 13 (NVI): Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, regarded highly for professional expertise, operational experience and contributions to military transformation, was today appointed as the next Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of India with effect from June 30, 2026.
Lt Gen Seth, currently the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi, who is scheduled to retire from service on June 30 after completing his tenure.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 and has served in a wide range of operational, command and strategic appointments during his nearly four-decade-long military career.
The General Officer has commanded formations at all levels, including an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade in the western theatre and a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu and Kashmir.
He also commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Army’s key strike formations, and later served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area.
As an Army Commander, Lt Gen Seth headed the South Western Command and Southern Command, becoming one of the few officers to command two operational Army Commands.
He has also held several important appointments at Army Headquarters, particularly in strategic planning and capability development, where he played a significant role in force modernisation, long-term capability enhancement and future force structuring initiatives.
A graduate of the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College, Lt Gen Seth also attended the prestigious Command and Staff Course in Paris.
With his appointment, Lt Gen Seth will assume command of the Indian Army at a time when the force is focusing on modernisation, technology integration and enhanced operational preparedness. (NVI)
