Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth appointed next Chief of Army Staff, to take charge on June 30

The government has appointed Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff, with effect from June 30, following the retirement of General Upendra Dwivedi

FP News Desk|Jun 13, 2026, 15:44:44 IST

The Centre, on Saturday, appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief of the Army Staff. He is set to assume charge on June 30 following the retirement of General Upendra Dwivedi.

An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. During a military career spanning nearly four decades, he has served across operational, strategic, capability development and institutional roles, playing a key part in enhancing the Indian Army's combat readiness and long-term modernisation efforts.

The Ministry of Defence said the appointment had received the approval of the President.

“I am directed to convey the approval of the President to the appointment of Lt General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM as the next Chief of the Army Staff in the substantive rank of General, with effect from 30 (th) June, 2026 vice General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, with a tenure upto 31st August, 2028," read a letter from the Ministry of Defence.

J&K cop on Amarnath Yatra duty shot dead in Anantnag terror attack; TRF claims responsibility

The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack through a social media post

2 min read

Jaishankar meets Canada's Anita Anand, discusses bilateral cooperation and shared interests

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held talks on bilateral ties with his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand, focusing on cooperation and common goals.

1 min read

Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad... Neet paper leak protest spreads nationwide even as govt reaches out to CJP, Opposition

Protests over the alleged NEET paper leak intensified across multiple cities, while the Centre signalled talks with the Opposition and the Cockroach Janta Party. The Delhi High Court also stepped in, seeking preservation of CCTV footage related to police action.

3 min read

Why is India seeing 95% cloud cover despite a Super El Niño?

India is witnessing nearly 95 per cent cloud cover despite a Super El Niño, a climate event usually linked to weaker monsoons. Regional weather systems, cyclonic circulations, the monsoon trough and moisture from two seas are temporarily overpowering one of the world's strongest climate phenomena

5 min read

Jaishankar, Rubio review trade, defence, AI cooperation at Manila meeting

Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reviewed key pillars of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, including trade, defence, energy, critical minerals and artificial intelligence, while also exchanging views on regional and global developments.