
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Appointed as Army Chief
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Why in News
- Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth has been named as the next Chief of the Army Staff.
- He will take charge of his new office on 30th June 2026.
- He will take over the position from the outgoing General Upendra Dwivedi.
Educational Background and Career Distinction
- He graduated from the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College.
- He also finished the Command and Staff Course in Paris.
- He completed defence acquisition training at the United States Naval Postgraduate School.
- He will make history as the third Army Chief from the 2nd Lancers.
- The earlier chiefs from this regiment were General Maharaj Shri Rajendrasinhji Jadeja and General Bipin Chandra Joshi.
- He will serve as the first Armoured Corps officer to lead the army in nearly three decades.
- The last officer from this corps to hold the post was General Shankar Roy Chowdhury.
Command Roles and Operational Legacy
- He has successfully led both the South Western Command and Southern Command.
- Leading two operational commands is a rare achievement.
- He provided strategic oversight across critical regions for over two-and-a-half years.
- He headed the Southern Command during Operation Sindoor.
- During this operation, his forces secured the Gujarat and Rajasthan sectors and stopped Pakistani drones and aerial threats.
- He worked globally as part of the United Nations Angola Verification Mission.
- His distinguished service earned him the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
Modernisation and Future Role
- He has worked in key staff positions in the Strategic Planning and Capability Development verticals at Army Headquarters.
- As the new Army Chief, he will supervise technology absorption across the forces.
- His main tasks will include inducting modern equipment, updating platforms, structuring forces, and improving teamwork with the other two services.