Meet next Army Chief Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth: An NDA alumnus, who led two Army commands, shaped military modernisation

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth is set to become the next Chief of the Army Staff, assuming the role on June 30, 2026, and serving until August 31, 2028. He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi upon his retirement. Lt Gen Seth, currently the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, brings a career of over four decades, including the rare distinction of leading two operational Army Commands: the South Western Command and the Southern Command. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, he was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. His extensive experience spans operational, strategic, and capability development domains across diverse environments, including service in a desert sector, the Western Theatre, and a Counter Insurgency Force in Jammu & Kashmir. He has also commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps. The government statement highlighted his significant contributions to the Indian Army's combat effectiveness and long-term transformation, particularly in shaping the Army's modernization trajectory and capability roadmap. Lt Gen Seth has also held key appointments in Army Headquarters' Strategic Planning and Capability Development verticals and served as General Officer Commanding of Delhi Area, overseeing national and international military engagements.

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I am directed to convey the approval of the President to the appointment of Lt General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM as the next Chief of the Army Staff in the substantive rank of General, with effect from 30 (th) June, 2026 vice General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, with a tenure upto 31st August, 2028.