Who is Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth? India’s New Army Chief Profile Explained

On 13th Indian Government announced that the Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of Army Staff (COAS). He will take charge on 30th June, 2026 and will lead the one of the world’s largest and most powerful military forces. He will replace the outgoing Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi after his retirement.

Profile of Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, New Army Chief

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth is a senior officer of the Indian Army and currently serving as the Vice Chief of Army Staff. He has been appointed as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff and succeeding the General Upendra Dwivedi after his retirement.

He was commissioned into the Armored Corps in the December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla and he has served in the Indian Army for nearly four decades with distinction.

Education and Professional Military Training

Lt Gen Seth has undergone the advanced military education from some of the most prestigious institutions in India. He is a graduate of the Higher Command Course and the National Defense College (NDC), New Delhi.

He also attended the Command and Staff Course in the Paris, France, which provided him with the international exposure to modern warfare systems and global defense strategies. His training also reflects the strong expertise in leadership, operations and strategic planning.

Operational Command Experience

Throughout his career, Lt Gen Seth has commanded the several important units and formations across the critical regions.

He led an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, which is a strategically sensitive area for national security. Later, he also commanded an Armoured Brigade in the Western Theatre which plays a key role in to border defense operations.

One of his most notable assignments was commanding the Sudarshan Chakra Corps which is the premier strike formation of the Indian Army responsible for offensive operations and rapid battlefield response.

He also served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Delhi Area and here he managed the operational coordination, security responsibilities and ceremonial duties in the national capital region.

Higher Command Leadership Roles

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth has held the two major General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) positions leading the both South Western Command and the Southern Command.

These commands are among the most important operational formations of the Indian Army and it is responsible for the large-scale troop deployment, strategic border management and operational readiness across key regions.

His leadership at this level highlights his experience to managing the large formations and complex defense operations.