Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Appointed as Army Chief

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.