The Indian Army has named Lt General Dhiraj Seth, currently the vice chief, as the upcoming Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) following General Upendra Dwivedi’s retirement in June. Lt Gen Seth, from the Armoured Corps, will be the first combat branch officer to lead the army since 1997. With almost 40 years of service, he brings vast operational and strategic experience to the role.
Lt Gen Seth’s tenure is anticipated to extend until August 2028, a crucial period as the army emphasizes force modernization and operational readiness along the China and Pakistan borders. A graduate of the National Defence Academy, he was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in 1986 and has held various key positions enhancing the army’s combat capabilities.
Having commanded formations at different levels in diverse environments, Lt Gen Seth has played pivotal roles in the army’s transformation. His assignments include leading an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade in the western theatre, and a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu and Kashmir. He has also commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps and served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area.
Beyond field command, Lt Gen Seth has contributed significantly to military modernization through strategic planning and capability development roles. His efforts in aligning operational needs with evolving technologies have been crucial. Recognized for his military modernization contributions, he has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and other distinguished service honors.
