General Dhiraj Seth on Tuesday assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, who retired after more than four decades of distinguished service in the Indian Army.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, General Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. During a military career spanning nearly four decades, he has served in a range of operational, strategic and capability development roles, contributing to the Indian Army’s combat preparedness and long-term modernisation.
General Seth has commanded formations at every level across diverse operational environments. His command assignments include an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade in the western theatre and a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu and Kashmir. As a Lieutenant General, he commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Army’s principal strike formations, before serving as the General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, where he oversaw key military engagements and ceremonial responsibilities.
On promotion to the rank of Army Commander, he led both the South Western Command and the Southern Command, becoming one of the few officers to command two operational Army Commands. During this tenure, he provided strategic oversight across key operational theatres for more than two-and-a-half years.
At Army Headquarters, General Seth held several important appointments in the Strategic Planning and Capability Development verticals. The Ministry of Defence said his contributions played a significant role in advancing the Army’s modernisation agenda, long-term force structuring and the integration of emerging technologies into future battlefield planning.
General Seth has also distinguished himself in professional military education. He is a graduate of the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College, and has attended the Command and Staff Course in Paris, strengthening his expertise in strategic and contemporary military affairs.
According to the Ministry of Defence, General Seth’s extensive operational experience, leadership across multiple theatres and focus on capability development are expected to guide the Indian Army as it continues its modernisation and transformation efforts in an evolving security environment.
