Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, the designated Chief of the Army Staff, will succeed the incumbent General Manoj Pande, as announced by the Centre on Tuesday night. With extensive operational experience along the frontiers with China and Pakistan, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, set to take over on June 30 upon General Pande’s retirement.
Last month, the government extended General Pande’s tenure by one month, six days before his scheduled superannuation on May 31.
“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,” stated the defence ministry.
Who is Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi? Top 5 achievements
- Decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards.
- As the Northern Army commander, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi provided strategic guidance and operational oversight for planning and executing sustained operations along the northern and western borders. He also led dynamic counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Actively engaged in negotiations with China to resolve the border issue while serving in this capacity.
- Involved in modernizing and equipping the largest Indian Army command, promoting the induction of indigenous equipment as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
- Throughout his nearly 40-year distinguished service, he has held various command, staff, instructional, and foreign appointments, including commanding the regiment (18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles), Brigade (26 Sector Assam Rifles), Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East), and 9 Corps.
Education background:
Born on July 1, 1964, Dwivedi is an alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa, and was commissioned into the 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984. He later commanded the unit. Dwivedi is also a graduate of the National Defence College and US Army War College, with additional courses completed at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and Army War College, Mhow. He holds an M Phil in Defence and Management Studies and two Master’s Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science.
