Lt. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi has been named the next Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding General Manoj Pande, the government announced Tuesday night. Dwivedi is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
The new Army chief will assume his position on June 30, the same day General Pande retires. Last month, the government extended General Pande’s tenure by one month, just six days before his scheduled retirement on May 31, leading to speculation that Lt. Gen. Dwivedi might be passed over for the top role.
In an official statement, the defence ministry said, “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.”
Who is Lt Gen Dwivedi?
1) Lt. Gen. Dwivedi has extensive operational experience along the borders with China and Pakistan. Before becoming Vice Chief of Army Staff on February 19, he served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command from 2022 to 2024.
2) Born on July 1, 1964, he attended Sainik School in Rewa and was commissioned into the 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles regiment of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984. He eventually commanded the unit, according to PTI.
3) Throughout his nearly 40-year career, he has held various command, staff, instructional, and international positions.
4) His command roles include leading the 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles regiment, the 26 Sector Assam Rifles Brigade, serving as Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East), and commanding the 9 Corps.
5) As a Lieutenant General, he has held significant roles such as Director General Infantry. He has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards.
6) As Northern Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Dwivedi provided strategic direction and operational oversight for planning and conducting operations along the northern and western borders and coordinated counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
7) He is actively involved in ongoing negotiations with China to resolve the border issue.
8) He played a key role in modernizing and equipping the largest Army command in the Indian Army, steering the induction of indigenous equipment as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
9) An alumnus of the National Defence College and the US Army War College, Lt. Gen. Dwivedi has also completed courses at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and the Army War College, Mhow.
10) He holds an MPhil in defence and management studies and master’s degrees in strategic studies and military science.
