Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth officially assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on Tuesday, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, who retired after an illustrious military career spanning more than four decades. Gen Seth takes command of the Indian Army's 1.3 million personnel at a time when the force is accelerating its transformation into a technologically advanced, self-reliant, and future-ready military while addressing evolving security challenges along the country's borders. Before taking over as Army Chief, he served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Gen Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. During his nearly 40-year military career, he has gained extensive experience across operational, strategic, institutional, and capability development domains. His appointment comes amid a rapidly changing global security environment, where emerging technologies and the evolving nature of warfare continue to reshape military preparedness and defence strategies.

One of the defining features of Gen Seth's career has been his command of two major operational Army commands along India's western front. Following his promotion to the rank of Army Commander, he served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Command in Jaipur and later the Southern Command in Pune. The Defence Ministry has described this as a rare distinction, highlighting his leadership in maintaining operational readiness and strengthening the Army's preparedness. Under his command, the Southern Command maintained a high level of readiness during Operation Sindoor.

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Throughout his service, Gen Seth has commanded military formations at every level across a variety of operational environments, including deserts, conventional theatres, and counter-insurgency areas. His leadership assignments have included commanding an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade in the western theatre, a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu and Kashmir, and the prestigious Sudarshan Chakra Corps. He also served as the General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, where he oversaw important military engagements and ceremonial responsibilities.

Beyond field command, Gen Seth has played a significant role in shaping the Indian Army's long-term modernisation and capability development. During key appointments at Army Headquarters, he contributed to strategic planning, force structuring, and the integration of emerging technologies into future battlefield requirements. An accomplished military scholar, he graduated from the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College and attended the prestigious Command and Staff Course in Paris. His appointment as Army Chief is expected to further strengthen the Army's focus on operational excellence, technological advancement, and long-term defence preparedness.

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