General Dheeraj Seth has taken over as the 31st Chief of the Indian Army. He replaced General Upendra Dwivedi. General Seth, an alumnus of the National Defense Academy, was commissioned into the Armored Corps. Dwivedi was given a guard of honor at the farewell ceremony.
New Delhi [भारत]June 30 (ANI): General Dheeraj Seth on Tuesday formally took over as the 31st Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, replacing retired General Upendra Dwivedi.
According to the Defense Ministry, General Dheeraj Seth is an alumnus of the National Defense Academy, Khadakwasla and was commissioned into the Armored Corps in December 1986. In his distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades, he has wide-ranging experience in operational, strategic, capability development and institutional areas from which he has contributed significantly to the combat effectiveness and long-term transformation of the Indian Army.
He is an alumnus of the National Defense Academy, Khadakwasla and was commissioned into the Armored Corps in December 1986. In his distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades, he has wide-ranging experience in operational, strategic, capability development and institutional areas from which he has contributed significantly to the combat effectiveness and long-term transformation of the Indian Army.
To mark the change of command, a ceremony was held at South Block Lawn in New Delhi, where General Upendra Dwivedi was given a special farewell. Sharing details of the event on X, Indian Army ADG Jan Suchana wrote, “General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, was presented a ceremonial Guard of Honor at the South Block Lawn, New Delhi on the occasion of relinquishing the post of Chief of the Army Staff. His distinguished career spanning over four decades reflects a legacy of selfless service, inspirational leadership and unwavering commitment to the nation, leaving a lasting impression on the Indian Army and its continuing journey of transformation.”
#GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS, was given a ceremonial guard of honor at South Block Lawns, #NewDelhi on the occasion of stepping down as Army Chief. His distinguished career spanning over four decades of selfless service,… pic.twitter.com/IRVp93GAAc — ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) June 30, 2026
Expressed confidence in the ability of the new army chief
Expressing confidence in the skills of the next Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi said, “He is an experienced soldier and an able leader. I am confident that under his leadership, the Indian Army will scale even greater heights while maintaining its glorious traditions, professionalism and resolve. Today as I hand over this charge, I am fully confident about the future of the Indian Army; it will remain rooted in its traditions, alert to the present challenges, and prepared to respond to any situation that may arise in the future.” Will always be ready.”
While handing over the responsibility of Army Chief to General Dheeraj Seth, he described serving in the Indian Army for more than four decades as the “greatest privilege” of his life. General Dwivedi expressed his gratitude to the soldiers, ex-servicemen, their families and citizens of the country for their unwavering support. He also paid floral tributes at the National War Memorial in the national capital.
Four decades of service the greatest privilege of my life: General Dwivedi
During the farewell ceremony, General Dwivedi said, “As I conclude my tenure as Army Chief, I am filled with a deep sense of humility, gratitude, pride and satisfaction. The journey from Sainik School to this moment has been unforgettable. Serving the Indian Army for more than four decades has been the greatest privilege of my life.”
He further said, “The Indian Army derives its strength not from any single individual, but from the unwavering faith of its soldiers, commanders, ex-servicemen, families and citizens of the country. I pay tribute to every soldier of the Indian Army, including those who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.”
General Dwivedi said the Indian Army has maintained a high level of preparedness and vigilance on all fronts over the last two years, and he highlighted the successful execution of Operation Snow Leopard and Operation Sindoor. (ANI)
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