New Delhi: The Indian Army entered a new chapter on Tuesday as General Dhiraj Seth formally assumed office as the country’s new Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, who concluded an illustrious military career spanning more than four decades.
Before relinquishing command, General Dwivedi paid homage to the nation’s fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. The solemn ceremony marked the end of a tenure that witnessed significant operational achievements, enhanced military preparedness, and stronger integration among India’s armed forces.
Addressing officers, soldiers, veterans, and invited guests during his farewell ceremony, General Dwivedi described serving the nation in uniform as the defining honour of his life.
He said the journey from his days at Sainik School to becoming the head of the Indian Army had been both humbling and deeply rewarding. Reflecting on his long military career, he expressed gratitude to every soldier, veteran, family member, and citizen whose trust and support strengthened the institution.
General Dwivedi stressed that the strength of the Indian Army lies not in any one individual but in the collective dedication, discipline, and commitment of its personnel. He also paid tribute to soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty, saying their sacrifice remains the foundation of the Army’s values and traditions.
Reviewing the Army’s performance over the past two years, the outgoing chief said the force maintained a high level of operational readiness across all fronts while adapting to evolving security challenges. He highlighted sustained deployment along the northern borders under Operation Snow Leopard, where troops remained alert amid complex security conditions.
He also referred to Operation Sindoor on the western front, describing it as an example of the Army’s professionalism, restraint, and ability to respond effectively to emerging threats while safeguarding national interests.
According to General Dwivedi, the Army successfully carried out its responsibilities with discipline, strategic clarity, and unwavering focus, contributing significantly to India’s evolving national security framework.
A major achievement during his tenure, he noted, was the growing coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Enhanced joint planning, shared operational objectives, and improved communication have strengthened India’s overall defence preparedness.
He observed that future conflicts would increasingly require integrated military operations involving all three services. Therefore, he emphasised the need for unified planning, coordinated decision-making, and seamless execution to meet the demands of modern warfare.
The outgoing Army Chief said India’s defence forces have steadily moved towards a theatre-oriented approach, enabling quicker responses and greater operational efficiency across multiple domains.
Speaking about the leadership transition, General Dwivedi expressed complete confidence in General Dhiraj Seth’s ability to guide the Indian Army through future challenges.
He described his successor as a seasoned military professional with extensive operational experience and strong leadership qualities. He said the Army would continue to uphold its traditions of excellence while embracing modernisation and adapting to changing strategic realities under the new chief’s command.
General Dwivedi expressed optimism that the force would remain firmly rooted in its core values while maintaining vigilance against emerging threats and preparing for future security challenges.
The smooth transfer of command reflects the Indian Army’s long-standing institutional tradition of disciplined leadership transition. Defence officials noted that the continuity of command ensures stability in military planning and ongoing operational commitments.
General Dhiraj Seth now assumes responsibility for leading one of the world’s largest armies at a time when India continues to focus on border security, defence modernisation, indigenous capability development, and greater integration among the armed forces.
His tenure is expected to prioritise operational readiness, technological transformation, joint-force capability, and strategic preparedness while carrying forward the professional legacy built by his predecessors.
The leadership change comes as the Indian Army continues to strengthen its role in safeguarding national security amid an increasingly dynamic regional and global strategic environment.