Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth to assume role as Army Chief on June 30, 2026

The Government of India has announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff, effective June 30, 2026. He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi, who retires on the same day. Lt Gen Seth is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.

Lt Gen Seth, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Over his nearly four-decade-long career, he has held key operational and strategic roles, contributing significantly to the Indian Army's modernization and combat readiness.

His leadership experience includes commanding an Armoured Regiment in the Desert Sector, an Armoured Brigade in the Western Theatre, and a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu & Kashmir. As a Lieutenant General, he led the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Army's premier strike formations, and later served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area.

Lt Gen Seth has also commanded two operational Army Commands—South Western Command and Southern Command—providing strategic oversight in critical theaters. His contributions to force modernization and capability development have been widely recognized.

An accomplished military professional, Lt Gen Seth has excelled in military education, including the Higher Command Course, National Defence College, and the prestigious Command & Staff Course in Paris, showcasing his broad strategic outlook.

His appointment marks a significant transition in the Army's leadership, with expectations of continued modernization and operational excellence under his tenure.

Source: Press Information Bureau (Govt. of India) press release, 13 JUN 2026. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2272460