Lt Gen. Dhiraj Seth has been appointed Chief of the Army Staff with effect from June 30, 2026, the day General Upendra Dwivedi retires from duty.
Lt Gen. Seth is currently serving as the vice chief of the army staff. A post he assumed on April 1, 2026, after more than three decades in the army.
The appointment marks a scheduled transition at the top of the force, with the new chief set to take over on the same day his predecessor vacates office.
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The Government has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, presently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief of the Army Staff in the substantive rank of General with effect from the afternoon of 30 June 2026.
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) June 13, 2026
An alumnus of the National pic.twitter.com/RExcCKjWJh
A pedigree forged in khaki and steel
According to the reports, Seth is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986.
Over a military career spanning nearly four decades, he has held appointments across operational, strategic, capability-development and institutional domains.
The Army’s official release on his elevation as Vice Chief in April described him as an officer with an “exceptional operational profile” across varied terrain and conflict environments, including counter-insurgency experience.
Lt Gen Dheeraj Seth is set to become the next Army Chief soon.🇮🇳@adgpi @indiatvnews https://t.co/Bt5CTAOnPe
— Manish Prasad (@manishindiatv) June 13, 2026
Seasoned by field and formation alike
The new Army chief has commanded an armoured regiment and brigade, a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Army’s key strike formations.
He also served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, and later commanded both the South Western Command and the Southern Command, giving him experience across the army's desert and peninsular theatres.
He is among the army's most experienced armoured corps officers and has held several key operational, command, and strategic appointments.
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The baton passes at a consequential hour
The leadership change comes at a time when the Army is continuing work on modernisation, capability development and future force planning.
Seth's promotion is being eagerly watched by defense circles because of his experience in capabilities building and strategic planning.
With General Dwivedi set to retire on June 30, the handover will place Seth at the helm of the force while India navigates ongoing operational and institutional priorities.
FAQs
Q1: Who is the new Chief of the Army Staff of India?
Ans: Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth has been appointed as India's next Chief of the Army Staff and will take charge on June 30, 2026.
Q2: When will Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth take over as Army chief?
Ans: He will assume office on June 30, 2026, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi upon his retirement.
