The appointment of Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Indian Army at a time when warfare is undergoing rapid technological and strategic transformation. The government has named Lt General Seth as the successor to General Upendra Dwivedi, who retires on June 30 after serving as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff.

Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt General Seth brings with him nearly four decades of distinguished military service spanning operational command, force modernisation, strategic planning and institutional leadership.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Lt General Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Throughout his career, he has held a series of critical command and staff appointments that have shaped his reputation as one of the Army's foremost modernisation-oriented leaders.

His command experience ranges from leading an armoured regiment and an armoured brigade to heading a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir. As a Lieutenant General, he commanded the prestigious Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Indian Army's principal strike formations responsible for offensive operations in the western sector.

He later served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, overseeing key military engagements and ceremonial responsibilities in the national capital. On promotion to Army Commander, he earned the rare distinction of commanding both the South Western Command and the Southern Command, providing strategic oversight across vast operational theatres.

Widely respected for championing military innovation, Lt General Seth has played a significant role in integrating emerging technologies into operational planning and capability development. His tenure comes at a time when artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber warfare and drone technologies are increasingly reshaping modern battlefields.

Academically accomplished, he is a graduate of the Higher Command Course, the National Defence College and the prestigious Command and Staff Course in Paris, reflecting a broad understanding of global security challenges.

He succeeds General Upendra Dwivedi, who assumed office in June 2024 amid a complex global security environment. During his tenure, General Dwivedi steered the Army through evolving geopolitical challenges and accelerated efforts towards force modernisation.

As Lt General Seth prepares to take command, expectations are high that he will continue the Army's transformation agenda while ensuring operational readiness in an increasingly uncertain and technology-driven security landscape.

The appointment of Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Indian Army at a time when warfare is undergoing rapid technological and strategic transformation. The government has named Lt General Seth as the successor to General Upendra Dwivedi, who retires on June 30 after serving as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff.

Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt General Seth brings with him nearly four decades of distinguished military service spanning operational command, force modernisation, strategic planning and institutional leadership.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Lt General Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Throughout his career, he has held a series of critical command and staff appointments that have shaped his reputation as one of the Army's foremost modernisation-oriented leaders.

His command experience ranges from leading an armoured regiment and an armoured brigade to heading a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir. As a Lieutenant General, he commanded the prestigious Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Indian Army's principal strike formations responsible for offensive operations in the western sector.

He later served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, overseeing key military engagements and ceremonial responsibilities in the national capital. On promotion to Army Commander, he earned the rare distinction of commanding both the South Western Command and the Southern Command, providing strategic oversight across vast operational theatres.

Widely respected for championing military innovation, Lt General Seth has played a significant role in integrating emerging technologies into operational planning and capability development. His tenure comes at a time when artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber warfare and drone technologies are increasingly reshaping modern battlefields.

Academically accomplished, he is a graduate of the Higher Command Course, the National Defence College and the prestigious Command and Staff Course in Paris, reflecting a broad understanding of global security challenges.

He succeeds General Upendra Dwivedi, who assumed office in June 2024 amid a complex global security environment. During his tenure, General Dwivedi steered the Army through evolving geopolitical challenges and accelerated efforts towards force modernisation.

As Lt General Seth prepares to take command, expectations are high that he will continue the Army's transformation agenda while ensuring operational readiness in an increasingly uncertain and technology-driven security landscape.