Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth becomes India's 31st Army Chief

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth formally assumed command as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi in a ceremonial handover in New Delhi. The leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for one of the world's largest land forces as it navigates evolving security challenges.

The change of command followed a series of ceremonial events honoring the outgoing chief. General Dwivedi was accorded a guard of honour on the lawns of South Block and visited the National War Memorial to lay a wreath in tribute to fallen soldiers. In his farewell address, Dwivedi reflected on his more than four decades of service, calling it the greatest privilege of his life. He expressed deep gratitude to the soldiers, commanders, veterans, and families of the Army, emphasizing that the institution's strength is collective, not individual.

Dwivedi highlighted the Army's operational readiness during his two-year tenure, which began on June 30, 2024. He cited the firm and vigilant deployment along the northern borders under Operation Snow Leopard and the execution of duties on the western front, with Operation Sindoor in May 2025...