Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 30: General Dhiraj Seth on Tuesday formally assumed office as the new Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, who retired after completing his tenure.
An officer from the Armoured Corps, General Seth makes history as the first officer from the Army's combat arm to become Chief of the Army Staff since General Shankar Roychowdhury held the post in 1997.
Bringing close to 40 years of distinguished military service, General Seth has held several crucial command, operational, strategic and administrative appointments during his career. His tenure as Army Chief, expected to continue until August 2028, begins at a time when the Indian Army is accelerating its modernisation efforts, strengthening combat readiness and advancing plans for integrated theatre commands while maintaining vigilance along the borders with China and Pakistan.
A graduate of the National Defence Academy, General Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Over the years, he has commanded military formations across multiple operational environments, earning recognition for his leadership in both conventional and counter-insurgency operations.
Among his key field assignments, he commanded an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, led an Armoured Brigade in the western theatre and headed a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu and Kashmir. As a Lieutenant General, he took command of the prestigious Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Army's principal strike formations responsible for offensive operations.
He later served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Delhi Area, overseeing military operations, ceremonial responsibilities and coordination for major national and international events held in the national capital.
Following his elevation to the rank of Army Commander, General Seth led both the South Western Command and the Southern Command, becoming one of the select few officers to command two operational Army Commands. During his tenure in these positions, spanning over two-and-a-half years, he supervised military preparedness across strategically significant regions of the country.
Apart from his operational leadership, General Seth has played a vital role in shaping the Army's long-term strategic planning and force development. At Army Headquarters, he held important appointments in the Strategic Planning and Capability Development branches, where he contributed significantly to formulating the Army's modernisation strategy, capability enhancement programmes and force restructuring initiatives.
His efforts have focused on integrating advanced technologies into military operations while preparing the Army to meet the challenges of future warfare.
General Seth is also known for his strong academic and professional credentials. He is an alumnus of the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College, besides having attended the prestigious Command and Staff Course in Paris, which further strengthened his expertise in strategic and defence affairs.
Recognised for his exemplary service to the nation, General Seth has been honoured with several distinguished military decorations, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Vishisht Seva Medal (UVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), along with other service awards.
With extensive operational experience, strategic leadership and a clear focus on military transformation, General Dhiraj Seth now takes charge of the Indian Army at a crucial phase marked by evolving security challenges and an increasing emphasis on technological advancement and combat preparedness.