Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth’s appointment as the 31st Chief of Army Staff marks a return to mechanised warfare leadership at the highest level, breaking a 29-year gap since an Armoured Corps officer last held the post. His tenure is defined by a rare combination of frontline command, dual Army Command leadership, and deep expertise in strategic modernisation.
The Armoured Corps Legacy and Family Tradition
Commissioned into the prestigious 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse) in December 1986, Lt Gen Seth follows in the footsteps of his father, Lt Gen Krishna Mohan Seth (Retd), a former Adjutant-General and Governor.
In a rare military legacy, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth commanded the XXI Corps (Sudarshan Chakra Corps), the same strike formation his father once led.
Academic Excellence: He topped the Junior Command Course and received the Best All Round Student Officer Medal at the Defence Services Staff College. He also attended the Command and Staff Course in Paris and a defence acquisition programme in the USA.
Instructor Roles: He served as an instructor at the National Defence Academy and as Chief Instructor at the School of Armoured Warfare, shaping the doctrine for future armoured warfare in India.
Rare Distinction: Commanding Two Army Commands
Lt Gen Seth belongs to an elite group of officers who have commanded two operational Army Commands, providing him with strategic oversight of India’s entire western frontier:
South Western Command (Nov 2023 – June 2024): As GOC-in-C of the Army’s youngest command (headquartered in Jaipur), he was responsible for the critical border sectors in Rajasthan and Punjab facing Pakistan.
Southern Command (July 2024 – March 2026): He took over the Pune-based command, one of the oldest and largest, overseeing operations in peninsular India and the Indian Ocean Region. During this tenure, he pioneered the integration of drone squadrons (Shaurya Squadron) into armoured units.
Architect of Modernisation and Capability Development
Before becoming Vice Chief in April 2026, Lt Gen Seth was a key driver of the Army’s long-term transformation:
Strategic Planning: He held pivotal roles including Brigadier Perspective Plans and Acquisition and Additional Director General Capability Development.
LTIPP Formulation: He was instrumental in drafting the Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP), the blueprint for the Army’s modernisation over the next 15 years.
Mechanised Forces: As Colonel Capability Development for Mechanised Forces, he spearheaded the induction of new tanks and armoured vehicles, ensuring the Armoured Corps remains relevant in multi-domain warfare.
Operational and International Experience
His field experience spans diverse terrains and conflict zones:
Counter-Insurgency: He commanded a Counter Insurgency Force in Jammu & Kashmir, dealing with complex asymmetric threats.
UN Peacekeeping: He served as a UN Operations Officer with the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM III) from 1995-96.
Delhi Area: As GOC Delhi Area, he managed security for high-profile national events and VIP movements in the capital.
