The Government has announced that Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi will become the next Chief of the Army Staff, starting from the afternoon of June 30, 2024. He will take over from Gen Manoj C. Pande, who will retire on the same date.
Career Highlights
Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, born on July 1, 1964, joined the Indian Army on December 15, 1984, in the Infantry division, specifically the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles. Over his nearly 40-year career, he has held numerous significant positions. He commanded the 18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, the 26 Sector Assam Rifles, and 9 Corps. Additionally, he served as Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East) .
Senior Leadership Roles
In his role as a Lieutenant General, Dwivedi held key positions such as Director General Infantry and General Officer Commanding in Chief of the Northern Command from 2022 to 2024. Most recently, he served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, a position that further showcased his leadership skills.
Educational Background
Lt Gen Dwivedi has an impressive educational background. He studied at Sainik School Rewa, National Defence College, and the US Army War College. He also completed courses at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington and the Army War College in Mhow. He was honored as a ‘Distinguished Fellow’ at the US Army War College in Carlisle, USA. Additionally, he holds an MPhil in Defence and Management Studies, along with master’s degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout his distinguished career, Lt Gen Dwivedi has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and three General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Commendation Cards.
Future Leadership
Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi’s extensive experience and distinguished service make him well-suited to lead the Indian Army. His leadership is expected to ensure continued excellence and readiness in the nation’s defense forces.