The Ministry of Defence said Saturday that Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth will become the 31st Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army [2, 3].
This leadership transition occurs as India manages critical border security and modernization efforts. The appointment ensures continuity in the military hierarchy as the current chief nears the end of his tenure.
Lt. Gen. Seth is scheduled to assume office on June 30, 2026 [1, 2, 4]. He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi, who is retiring from the position [2, 3].
A veteran of the Armoured Corps, Seth was commissioned into the service in December 1986 [1]. His career spans nearly four decades of military service [5].
The appointment follows the standard succession process managed by the government in New Delhi [2, 3]. Seth holds several high-level military honors, including the PVSM, UYSM, and AVSM.
As the 31st person to hold the office of the Chief of Army Staff [5], Seth takes command at a period of strategic transition for the Indian military. The transition involves a handover of operational command, and administrative oversight of the nation's land forces.
“Lt. Gen. Dhiraj Seth will become the 31st Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army.”
The appointment of Lt. Gen. Dhiraj Seth maintains the established protocol for senior military succession in India. By selecting a seasoned officer from the Armoured Corps with nearly 40 years of experience, the government signals a preference for continuity and operational stability during the transition from General Upendra Dwivedi.
