Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, has been appointed as India’s new Chief of the Army Staff. A distinguished Armoured Corps officer, he brings over 39 years of military service to the role.
Commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986 after graduating from the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Lt Gen Seth has commanded formations across diverse operational theatres. His leadership spans desert operations, counter-insurgency duties in Jammu and Kashmir, and command of an Armoured Regiment, Brigade, and Counter Insurgency Force.
As a Lieutenant General, he led the Sudarshan Chakra Corps and later served as General Officer Commanding Delhi Area, overseeing national and international military responsibilities. He also commanded both South Western Command and Southern Command, making him one of the few officers to lead two operational Army Commands on the western front.
His career includes strategic roles such as Operations Officer with the United Nations Mission in Angola, Assistant Military Secretary at Army Headquarters, and Director General Discipline, Ceremonial and Welfare. He contributed significantly to the Army’s Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan, shaping its modernisation roadmap.
Lt Gen Seth’s academic achievements include topping the Junior Command Course, earning the Best All-Round Student Officer medal at the Defence Services Staff College, and completing advanced courses at the National Defence College and Command and Staff Course in Paris.
On April 1, 2026, he assumed charge as Vice Chief of the Army Staff. His appointment as Chief of the Army Staff comes at a critical time as the Indian Army focuses on operational readiness, modernisation, and preparedness for evolving security challenges.
