Lieutenant general Upendra Dwivedi appointed as Next Chief of Army Staff

New Delhi, June 12: Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has been named as the successor to General Manoj Pande as the Chief of the Army Staff, the Centre announced on Tuesday night. Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General Dwivedi brings extensive operational experience along the frontiers with China and Pakistan to his new role.

General Pande is set to retire on June 30, paving the way for Lieutenant General Dwivedi to assume command.

In a statement, the Defence Ministry confirmed the appointment, stating, "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 Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi:

Decorations: Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has been honored with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards.

Strategic Guidance: As the Northern Army commander, Lieutenant General 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.

Engagement with China: Dwivedi played an active role in ongoing negotiations with China to resolve the border issue.

Modernization Efforts: He spearheaded the modernization and equipping of the largest Indian Army command, overseeing the induction of indigenous equipment as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Distinguished Service: With a career spanning nearly 40 years, Lieutenant General Dwivedi has served in various command, staff, instructional, and foreign appointments, including commanding regiment, brigade, and corps.

Education Background:

Born on July 1, 1964, Lieutenant General 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 is a graduate of the National Defence College and US Army War College, and has undergone courses at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and Army War College, Mhow.

Lieutenant General Dwivedi holds an M Phil in Defence and Management Studies, and two Master's Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science.

Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi's appointment marks a significant transition in the leadership of the Indian Army, with expectations high for his tenure as the Chief of the Army Staff.