Srinagar, July 9 (IANS) Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth on Thursday visited forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K’s Jammu Division.

Army’s ADG PI said on X: “General Dhiraj Seth, COAS, visited forward areas along the Line of Control in Poonch, Rajouri and Sunderbani. He reviewed the prevailing security dynamics along the Line of Control and the counter-insurgency grid of the White Knight Corps.”

“The COAS was briefed on the evolving security environment, operational deployments, surveillance architecture, field innovations and integrated operational readiness. He also assessed the ongoing infrastructure development and the formation’s sustained efforts to empower the communities of India’s first villages through people-centric initiatives.”

“The COAS commended all ranks for their operational excellence and unwavering commitment and exhorted them to remain mission-focused, operationally agile and continue striving for excellence.”

This is General Dhiraj Seth’s maiden visit to J&K since he took over from General Upendra Dwivedi as COAS on June 30, 2026.

During his stay in the Valley, General Dhiraj Seth called on J&K L-G Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, with whom he discussed the prevailing security situation in the union territory.

He also reviewed operational preparedness and combat readiness with the senior army officers during his stay in the Valley.

He holds the highest active rank in the Indian Army. General ranks above the three-star rank of lieutenant general and below the five-star rank of field marshal, which is largely a wartime or ceremonial rank.

He is the current and 31st Chief of the Army Staff. He previously served as the 49th Vice Chief of the Army Staff.

He earlier served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command; as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command; as General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area; and as the General Officer Commanding, XXI Corps.

He is also the Colonel of the Regiment of the Armoured Corps.

–IANS

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