Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth reviews Eastern Theatre security in two-day Manipur visit
Synopsis
Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth's two-day Eastern Theatre visit was more than a routine review — it covered active flood relief, ethnic-tension-era security coordination in Manipur, and the inauguration of the Durand Cup in Imphal, signalling a military presence that spans operational, humanitarian, and community dimensions simultaneously.
Key Takeaways
COAS General Dhiraj Seth concluded a two-day visit to the Eastern Theatre on 29 July 2025 .
He reviewed the operational preparedness of the Red Shield Division , Dao Division , Spearhead Division , and both Inspector General Assam Rifles formations.
The COAS was briefed on ongoing flood relief operations and exhorted troops to support the civil administration.
General Seth called on Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan, Imphal , to discuss the state's security situation.
He attended the inaugural ceremony of the Imphal leg of the 135th Indian Oil Durand Cup at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium .
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and senior civil and military dignitaries were present at the Durand Cup event.
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth concluded a two-day visit to formations under the Eastern Theatre on Wednesday, 29 July, reviewing the security situation in Manipur and the broader Northeast, assessing operational preparedness, and evaluating ongoing flood relief operations, according to defence officials.
Security Reviews and Formations Covered
On the first day of the visit, General Seth reviewed the security situation in Manipur and the operational preparedness of the Inspector General Assam Rifles (South), the Inspector General Assam Rifles (East), and the Red Shield Division of the Indian Army. The visit concluded on Wednesday with a security review of the Dao Division and the Spearhead Division, during which the COAS was briefed on the operational environment, formation preparedness, and the status of ongoing flood relief operations.
A defence spokesman said General Seth exhorted all ranks for the support being extended to the civil administration in managing flood relief. He also reviewed the coordinated efforts of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles in maintaining a secure and stable environment across the state.
Troops Addressed, Vigilance Emphasised
General Seth interacted with troops deployed in the region and commended them for their professionalism, dedication, and steadfast commitment under challenging conditions. According to a post on the official X handle of the Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), the COAS exhorted troops to remain vigilant, operationally agile, and future-ready to effectively address evolving security challenges while continuing to contribute towards lasting peace and stability in the region.
He also witnessed nation-building and community outreach initiatives being undertaken by the formations and Assam Rifles in the area.
Call on Governor, Key Officials
On the first day of the visit, General Seth — accompanied by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Eastern Command, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 3 Corps, and the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) — called on Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan in Imphal. During the meeting, they discussed the prevailing security situation and other key issues related to the state's security, according to a Raj Bhavan official.
Durand Cup Inauguration in Imphal
General Seth also attended the inaugural ceremony of the Imphal leg of the 135th Indian Oil Durand Cup at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, and other senior civil and military dignitaries were present at the event.
The Durand Cup, widely known as Desh Ka Cup, serves as a platform for nurturing sporting talent and fostering national integration. The COAS's presence at the event was seen as reaffirming the Indian Army's commitment to promoting sport as a means of engaging youth and strengthening bonds between the people of the Northeast and Indian football.
Broader Significance for the Northeast
This comes amid a prolonged period of ethnic tension in Manipur that has tested civil-military coordination in the state. The visit underscores the Indian Army's stated commitment to maintaining operational readiness while also supporting civil administration — particularly in the context of active flood relief operations. The dual focus on security and community engagement reflects the Army's broader mandate in a region where stability remains a work in progress.
Point of View
And the simultaneous emphasis on security, flood relief, and the Durand Cup inauguration reflects a deliberate effort to project normalcy alongside military readiness. The inclusion of community outreach and sporting events in a COAS itinerary is notable: it signals that the Army recognises that long-term stability in the Northeast requires more than force posture. Yet the core security challenges in Manipur remain unresolved, and a two-day visit — however high-profile — does not substitute for the political settlement that the state still awaits.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth do during his Eastern Theatre visit?
General Dhiraj Seth reviewed the security situation in Manipur, assessed the operational preparedness of multiple Army and Assam Rifles formations, and received briefings on flood relief operations during his two-day visit concluded on 29 July. He also called on Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and attended the Durand Cup inauguration in Imphal.
Which formations were reviewed during the Army Chief's visit?
The COAS reviewed the Red Shield Division, Dao Division, and Spearhead Division of the Indian Army, as well as the Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) and Inspector General Assam Rifles (East). All formations were assessed for operational preparedness and their role in flood relief operations.
What is the significance of the Army Chief visiting Manipur at this time?
Manipur has experienced prolonged ethnic unrest, making high-level military visits significant for both operational coordination and signalling stability. The visit also covered active flood relief operations, reflecting the Army's dual role in the region as both a security and humanitarian force.
What is the 135th Indian Oil Durand Cup and why was the Army Chief present?
The Durand Cup is one of India's oldest football tournaments, known as Desh Ka Cup, and the 2025 edition's Imphal leg was inaugurated at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium. General Seth's presence was intended to reinforce the Indian Army's commitment to using sport as a means of community engagement and national integration in the Northeast.
Who accompanied the Army Chief during his meeting with the Manipur Governor?
General Seth was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Command, the General Officer Commanding of 3 Corps, and the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South) when he called on Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at Raj Bhavan in Imphal.
