Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth appointed next Indian Army Chief, to succeed General Upendra Dwivedi

The Centre on Saturday appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, who is set to retire on June 30, 2026. Lt Gen Seth, currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, will assume charge on the same day.

An officer of the Armoured Corps, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Indian Army in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla. Over nearly four decades of service, he has held several key operational, command and strategic appointments across the country.

Before becoming Vice Chief in April 2026, Lt Gen Seth served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command and earlier headed the South Western Command. He has also commanded the XXI Corps, Delhi Area and several important armoured formations.

Known for his extensive experience in operational planning and military modernisation, Lt Gen Seth has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) during his distinguished career.

His appointment comes at a crucial time as the Indian Army continues its efforts to enhance combat readiness, strengthen indigenous capabilities and implement long-term modernisation plans aimed at transforming the force into a future-ready military.