Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth appointed next Chief of Indian Army

• The government has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, presently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief of the Army Staff with effect from June 30.

• He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi.

Who is Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth?

• Lt Gen Seth is widely known for his strategic planning and contributions towards modernisation of the Army.

• He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986.

• Over a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades, he has had extensive experience across the operational, strategic, capability development and institutional domains.

• Widely recognised for his contributions to force modernisation, the officer has held pivotal appointments in the strategic planning and capability development verticals of the Army headquarters.

• Lt Gen Seth contributed significantly in undertaking capability roadmap and long-term force structuring initiatives.

• He has commanded at every level in diverse operational environments. 

• His command assignments include an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade in the Western Theatre, and a counter-insurgency force in Jammu & Kashmir.

• As a Lt Gen, he commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Indian Army's premier strike formations. 

• He subsequently served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, overseeing key national and international military engagements and ceremonial responsibilities.

• Following his elevation as an Army Commander, the officer commanded South Western Command and Southern Command, earning the rare distinction of commanding two operational Army Commands and providing strategic oversight across critical theatres for over a period of two and half years.

• He has held several key staff and strategic appointments that have significantly influenced operational planning, force management and capability development.