In a major transition within the highest echelons of India’s military leadership, General Dhiraj Seth on Tuesday officially took charge as the 31st Chief of Army Staff (COAS). He succeeds General Upendra Dwivedi, who retired following an illustrious career spanning over 40 years in the armed forces.
The appointment comes alongside a broader structural reshuffle. Multiple key hierarchy changes have taken place across the services, including the appointment of a new Vice Chief of the Army Staff, new commanders for both the South-eastern and Southern Commands, and a new Vice Chief for the Indian Air Force.
General Seth brings nearly four decades of extensive experience across operational, strategic, capability development, and institutional domains. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, he was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986.
Prior to his elevation as COAS, he served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. He holds the rare distinction of having commanded two separate operational Army commands along the western front during his career as an Army Commander, the South Western Command (headquartered in Jaipur) and the Southern Command.
Moving forward, his leadership will be pivotal as the force continues to forge a path toward becoming a self-reliant, future-ready fighting force while simultaneously maintaining strict vigilance and managing ongoing challenges along the nation’s borders.
