India Gets New COAS; General Dhiraj Seth Takes Charge As New Army Chief Succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi

General Dhiraj Seth assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on Tuesday, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, who retired after completing his tenure as the head of the Indian Army.

The formal change of command took place this morning after General Upendra Dwivedi was presented a Ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns in New Delhi, on the occasion of relinquishing the appointment of Chief of the Army Staff.

Former COAS General Dwivedi also laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, paying homage to the indomitable courage, unwavering valour and supreme sacrifice of the bravehearts who laid down their lives in service of the Nation.

Speaking on the occasion, the outgoing Army Chief expressed complete confidence in his successor. "Today I am handing over this responsibility to General Dhiraj Seth. He is an experienced soldier and a capable leader. I am confident that under his leadership, the Indian Army will achieve even greater heights while maintaining its glorious traditions, professionalism and resolve." 

He further said, "Today, as I hand over this responsibility, I have full confidence in the future of the Indian Army; it will remain true to its traditions, alert to current challenges, and always prepared for any future eventuality."

Reflecting on his long career serving the Nation, General Upendra Dwivedi described his journey in uniform as the greatest privilege of his life.

"As I complete my tenure as the Chief of Army Staff, I feel a deep sense of humility, gratitude, pride and satisfaction. The journey from Sainik School to this moment has been memorable. Serving in the Indian Army for over four decades has been the greatest privilege of my life," he said.

He added that the strength of the Indian Army lies not in any one individual but in the unwavering commitment of its soldiers, commanders, veterans, families and the people of India. Former COAS General Dwivedi also paid tribute to every soldier of the Indian Army, especially those who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Who Is COAS General Dhiraj Seth?

General Dhiraj Seth, who now takes over as the Army's 31st Chief of Army Staff, is an alumnus of the Khadakwasla National Defence Academy and an officer who was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. 

According to the Ministry of Defence, he brings nearly four decades of distinguished military service, with extensive experience in command, staff and strategic appointments across a wide range of operational and institutional roles. 

Before succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi as the COAS, General Dhiraj Seth was serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. 

Over a distinguished military career spanning nearly forty years, he has gained extensive experience across institutional, operational, capability development, and strategic domains, making significant contributions to the long-term transformation and combat effectiveness of the Indian Army.

General Seth has held command at every level across a variety of operational environments. His leadership assignments include commanding an Armoured Regiment in the Desert Sector, an Armoured Brigade in the Western Theatre, and a Counter-Insurgency Force in Jammu and Kashmir. As a Lieutenant General, he led the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, which is one of the Indian Army’s premier strike formations. Following this, General Dhiraj Seth served as the General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, where he managed critical national and international military engagements alongside ceremonial duties.

Upon his promotion to Army Commander, General Seth led both the South Western Command and the Southern Command. This earned him the rare distinction of heading two operational Army Commands and providing strategic oversight across vital theaters for more than two and a half years. Furthermore, he has held numerous crucial staff and strategic appointments that have deeply influenced force management, operational planning, and capability development.

As an accomplished military professional, General Dhiraj Seth has highly excelled in his professional military education, earning top placements in various courses of instruction. He is a graduate of both the Higher Command Course and the National Defence College. Additionally, he attended the prestigious Command and Staff Course in Paris, demonstrating his broad strategic outlook and deep understanding of contemporary military affairs.