Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi to take over as Indian Army Chief

The Centre has appointed Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi as the next Chief of Army Staff. He will succeed General Manoj C. Pande, whose tenure was extended by one month until June 30th.

Dwivedi was commissioned into the Indian Army's Infantry (Jammu and Kashmir Rifles) on December 15, 1984, after being born on July 1, 1964. He has approximately 40 years of military history and has held a range of positions in instruction, staff, command, and overseas. Lt Gen Dwivedi's command postings are as Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East), Brigade (26 Sector Assam Rifles), and Command of Regiment (18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles).

On February 19, Lieutenant General Dwivedi took over as Vice Chief of Army Staff. From 2022 until 2024, Lieutenant General Dwivedi held the position of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command before to assuming his current role as Vice Chief of the Army Staff. He was commissioned into the 18th century and attended Sainik School in Rewa and was commissioned into 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984. He commanded the unit later.

Leadership and Operational Experience

After receiving a one-month extension, General Pande—who had been scheduled to retire at the end of May—became the Army chief on April 30, 2022. On the afternoon of June 30, Lt Gen. Dwivedi, who is the Vice Chief of Staff at the moment, will take over as the commanding officer. Three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards, the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) have been bestowed on him.

The Southern Army Commander, Lt Gen Ajay Kumar Singh, is the next highest ranking figure after Lt Gen Dwivedi. On June 30, Lieutenant Generals Dwivedi and Ajay Kumar Singh were scheduled to retire. The three service chiefs may take office for a maximum of three years or until they become sixty-two. Unless they are granted approval for the four-star rank, lieutenant general rank officers must retire at the age of sixty.

Lt Gen Dwivedi has vast operational experience along the frontiers with China and Pakistan. In appointing Lt Gen Dwivedi, the government followed the seniority principle. "The government has appointed Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, presently serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief of the Army Staff with effect from the afternoon of June 30," the defence ministry said.

In the Kashmir Valley, Assam Rifles Sector along the Indo-Myanmar Border, Inspectorate General Assam Rifles (IGAR, East), the General Officer led his battalion. Afterwards, the General Officer oversaw the Yol-based Rising Star Corps. He has held positions as a staff officer at divisional and corps headquarters, the Directorate General of Military Operations, the Military Secretary Branch, and an armoured brigade.

He has taught at the Army War College and the Indian Military Academy. Additionally, he served two stints abroad in Somalia and the Seychelles. He held several positions in the Directorate General of Infantry, including Director General of Infantry, and expedited the acquisition of weaponry, resulting in a notable and perceptible improvement in the Army's capabilities. Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi has also undergone courses at the DSSC Wellington and Army War College, Mhow.

In addition, he was conferred 'Distinguished Fellow' in the coveted NDC equivalent course at USAWC, Carlisle, USA. He also has an M Phil in Defence and Management Studies and two Master's Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science.

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