NEW DELHI, June 13, 2026 : The Government of India on Saturday announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi upon his retirement on June 30, 2026.
Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Seth will take over the leadership of the Indian Army at a crucial time as the force continues its modernization drive and strengthens its operational preparedness across multiple strategic theatres.
The announcement was made by the Ministry of Defence, which highlighted Lt Gen Seth’s extensive military experience and distinguished service spanning nearly four decades.
An alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Since then, he has built an accomplished career marked by operational excellence, strategic leadership, force development, and institutional management.
Throughout his military journey, Lt Gen Seth has held command responsibilities at every level and served in a wide range of operational environments across the country.
His notable command assignments include leading an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, commanding an Armoured Brigade in the Western Theatre, and heading a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir, where he gained extensive experience in security and stabilization operations.
As a Lieutenant General, he commanded the prestigious Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Indian Army’s premier strike formations, responsible for maintaining high levels of combat readiness and operational capability.
He later served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Delhi Area, where he oversaw critical military engagements, ceremonial functions, and national-level defence responsibilities in the national capital.
Following his promotion to the rank of Army Commander, Lt Gen Seth assumed command of both the South Western Command and subsequently the Southern Command, becoming one of the few senior military leaders to command two major operational Army Commands.
His tenure in these roles provided strategic oversight across important military sectors and contributed significantly to operational planning, force preparedness, and defence management over a period exceeding two-and-a-half years.
Apart from field command responsibilities, Lt Gen Seth has held several key staff and strategic appointments during his career. These assignments enabled him to play a major role in shaping operational doctrines, force management policies, modernization initiatives, and capability enhancement programmes within the Indian Army.
Defence observers view his appointment as recognition of his extensive leadership experience, operational expertise, and contributions to strengthening India’s military preparedness.
As he prepares to assume office on June 30, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth will lead one of the world’s largest and most professional armed forces, tasked with safeguarding national security and addressing evolving strategic challenges in the region.
