General Dhiraj Seth takes over as 31st Chief of Army Staff with focus on modernisation and readiness

New Delhi, Jun 30 (ANI): PVSM, UYSM, AVSM General Dhiraj Seth takes over as the Chief of the Army Staff, of the Indian Army, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi

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General Dhiraj Seth on Tuesday formally took over as the 31st Chief of Army Staff, bringing with him formidable and diverse operational and strategic experience besides his contribution to force modernisation at a time when geopolitical readiness remains paramount. He took over the charge from General Upendra Dwivedi, who superannuated after more than four decades of distinguished service to the nation on Tuesday.General Seth is said to be the seventh officer from the Armoured Corps to hold the top post, and the first to do so since General Shankar Roychowdhury retired in 1997. He was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 after passing out of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla.Over a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades, he has had extensive experience across the operational, strategic, capability development and institutional domains, contributing significantly to the Indian Army’s combat effectiveness and long-term transformation.The General Officer has commanded at every level in 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 & Kashmir, according to his official resume shared by the Army.As a Lieutenant General, he commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Army’s premier strike formations. He subsequently served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, overseeing key national and international military engagements and ceremonial responsibilities.On elevation to the rank of Army Commander, the officer commanded South Western Command and Southern Command, earning the rare distinction of commanding two operational Army Commands and providing strategic oversight across critical theatres for over a period of two and a half years. He has held several key staff and strategic appointments that have significantly influenced operational planning, force management and capability development.Widely recognised for his contributions to force modernisation, the General Officer has tenanted pivotal appointments in the Strategic Planning and Capability Development verticals of the Army headquarters, shaping its modernisation trajectory, capability roadmap and long-term force structuring initiatives. His contributions have been instrumental in aligning operational requirements with emerging technologies and future battlefield imperatives.General Seth, said the Army, has consistently excelled in professional military education, securing top positions in courses of instruction. He is a graduate of the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College and has also attended the prestigious Command & Staff Course in Paris, reflecting his broad strategic outlook and understanding of contemporary military affairs.Published on June 30, 2026