New Delhi: Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth will be India’s next Chief of Army Staff, the government announced on Saturday.
He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi, who retires at the end of this month.
Lt Gen Seth, currently serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, will take charge as chief on June 30.
An alumnus of National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Lt General Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986.
Experience across diverse terrains
During a military career spanning four decades, he has had extensive experience across diverse terrains and conflict environments, having commanded an Armoured Regiment in the desert sector, an Armoured Brigade in the plains and a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu & Kashmir.
As a Lt General, he commanded the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, one of the Indian Army’s premier strike formations. He also served as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, overseeing key national and international military engagements and ceremonial responsibilities.
ng>A rare distinction
On elevation to Army Commander, Lt Gen Seth was appointed as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Delhi Area, overseeing several major national and international engagements. Lt Gen Seth subsequently served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the South Western Command and Southern Command, thereby earning a rare distinction of leading two operational commands.
He has also held several key staff and strategic appointments, including Brigade Major of an Independent Armoured Brigade in Jammu & Kashmir, Operations Officer with the United Nations Mission in Angola, Assistant Military Secretary at Army Headquarters, Brigadier General Staff (Operations) at Headquarters South Western Command and Director General Discipline, Ceremonial and Welfare.
Lt Gen Seth is recognised for playing a significant role in strategic planning and capability development. His appointments include Colonel Capability Development (Mechanised Forces), Brigadier Perspective Plans and Acquisition, and Additional Director General Capability Development. He contributed substantially to Indian Army’s Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan and broader modernisation efforts.
Excellent academic record too
Besides being an accomplished military professional, Lt General Seth possesses an impressive academic record as well.
He secured top position in the Junior Command Course and being awarded the Best All-Round Student Officer Medal at the Defence Services Staff College in courses of instruction. A graduate of the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College, he also attended the prestigious Command and Staff Course in Paris.