General Dhiraj Seth takes charge as 31st Chief of Army Staff

NEW DELHI: General Dhiraj Seth formally took over as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, who retired from service on Tuesday.

General Dhiraj Seth is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Over a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades, he has had extensive experience across the operational, strategic, capability development and institutional domains, contributing significantly to the Indian Army’s combat effectiveness and long-term transformation, according to the Ministry of Defence.

He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Over a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades, he has had extensive experience across the operational, strategic, capability development and institutional domains, contributing significantly to the Indian Army’s combat effectiveness and long-term transformation.

The change of command was marked with a ceremony at South Block Lawns in New Delhi, where General Upendra Dwivedi was given a special send-off.

Sharing details of the event on X, the Indian Army’s ADG Public Information wrote, “General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, was presented a Ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns, New Delhi, on the occasion of relinquishing the appointment of Chief of the Army Staff. His distinguished career of over four decades reflects a legacy of selfless service, inspirational leadership and unwavering commitment to the Nation, leaving an enduring imprint on the Indian Army and its continued journey towards transformation.”

#GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS, was presented a Ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns, #NewDelhi, on the occasion of relinquishing the appointment of Chief of the Army Staff.

His distinguished career of over four decades reflects a legacy of selfless service,… pic.twitter.com/IRVp93GAAc

— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) June 30, 2026

General Upendra Dwivedi expressed confidence in the next Chief of the Army Staff’s skills, stating, “He is a seasoned soldier and a capable leader. I have full confidence that under his leadership, the Indian Army will scale even greater heights while upholding its glorious traditions, professionalism, and resolve. As I hand over this charge today, I am fully confident about the future of the Indian Army; it will remain rooted in its traditions, stay vigilant regarding current challenges, and remain constantly prepared for any situation that may arise in the future.”

He described serving in the Indian Army for over four decades as the “greatest privilege” of his life as he handed over the responsibility of the Chief of the Army Staff to Gen Dhiraj Seth.

General Dwivedi expressed gratitude to soldiers, veterans, their families, and the citizens of the country for their unwavering support. He also laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in the national capital.

#WATCH | Delhi | Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi says, “Today, I am handing over this responsibility to General Dhiraj Seth. He is a seasoned soldier and a capable leader. I have full confidence that under his leadership, the Indian Army will scale even greater heights while… pic.twitter.com/kVLVG01C6n

— ANI (@ANI) June 30, 2026

During the farewell ceremony, General Dwivedi said, “As I conclude my tenure as the Chief of the Army Staff, I am filled with a profound sense of humility, gratitude, pride, and satisfaction. The journey from Sainik School to this moment has been unforgettable. Serving in the Indian Army for over four decades has been the greatest privilege of my life.”

“The Indian Army derives its strength not from any single individual, but from the unwavering faith of its soldiers, commanders, veterans, families, and the citizens of the country. I pay homage to every soldier of the Indian Army, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” he further added.

General Dwivedi said the Indian Army had maintained a high level of preparedness and vigilance across all fronts over the past two years, highlighting the successful execution of Operation Snow Leopard and Operation Sindoor. (ANI)