General Dheeraj Kumar Seth is the 31st Chief of the Indian Army Staff, taking over the post after the retirement of General Upendra Dwivedi on June 30, 2026. General Dheeraj Seth is the first officer from an armored unit in the history of the Indian Army to become the Chief of the Army Staff. Prior to becoming the Chief of the Army Staff, he served as the Deputy Chief of the Army Staff.
He completed his basic military education at the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, followed by military training at the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and was commissioned into the Army on December 20, 1986. After completing his course at the Defence Services Staff College in 2006, he was adjudged the best all-round student. General Dheeraj Kumar Seth has held significant operational, strategic, and pacific assignments in his nearly 40-year military career. His contributions to the Indian Army are considered significant in the modernization and strategic planning of the service.
Key Roles
- He played a key role in the Strategic Planning and Capability Development Department of the Central Headquarters and contributed significantly to the formulation of the Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan and the modernization roadmap for the Indian Army. Along with this, new technology, drones, was introduced and he played a significant role in integrating modern weaponry into the operational requirements of the service.
- In the Indian service, he had the rare distinction of commanding two major operational commands on the Western Front: the South Western Command and the Southern Command. He also commanded the Sudarshan Chakra, the premier strike formation of the Indian service, and successfully led an armor regiment in the counter-insurgency force and desert areas in Jammu and Kashmir.
- He served as an operations officer during the United Nations Mission in Angola, Africa, and represented India in peacekeeping operations.
- As General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, he handled the strategic and logistical management of major national and international military events, including Republic Day.
- As Director General at C Headquarters, he oversaw the discipline and welfare of the troops.
Medals and Awards
- General Service Medal: For distinguished service on the nation’s active borders.
- Special Service Medal: For participating in particularly challenging military operations.
- Military Service Medal: For continuous service in difficult conditions and challenging terrain.
- High Altitude Medal: For deployment in high-altitude and inaccessible mountainous areasifficult conditions and challenging terrain.
- Foreign Service Medal: For representing India on foreign soil during the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Angola.
Key Academic Achievements
- First Rank in the Junior Command Course.
- Awarded the prestigious Silver Centurion Award in the Young Officers Course.
- First Rank in Radio Instructor.