General Dhiraj Seth has assumed command as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff [2] following the retirement of General Upendra Dwivedi.
The leadership transition occurs during a period of strategic continuity for the Indian military. The change in command ensures the stability of the army's operational hierarchy and the seamless transfer of authority over the nation's land forces.
On June 30, 2026, General Upendra Dwivedi received a ceremonial Guard of Honour in New Delhi [3]. The event marked the official conclusion of his tenure as the head of the army and served as a formal farewell to the outgoing chief.
General Dwivedi retired from the military after serving for more than 40 years [1]. The ceremony in the capital honored his decades of service to the state before he stepped down from his position.
General Dhiraj Seth now takes over the responsibilities of the office as the 31st individual to hold the rank of Army Chief [2]. The transition follows established military protocols for the handover of command in New Delhi.
“General Dhiraj Seth becomes the 31st Chief of the Army Staff”
The appointment of General Dhiraj Seth as the 31st Army Chief maintains the traditional rotation of leadership within the Indian Army. By concluding a tenure that spanned over four decades of service, General Dwivedi's retirement represents a generational shift in command while preserving the institutional stability required for national security operations.
