Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has taken over as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, stepping into the shoes of Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar. The transition of command occurred on February 19, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the Indian Army’s leadership landscape.
Having served diligently as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command from 2022 to 2024, Lieutenant General Dwivedi brings with him a wealth of experience garnered from challenging operational environments.
A distinguished alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa (MP), Lieutenant General Dwivedi was commissioned into the esteemed 18 JAMMU & KASHMIR RIFLES in 1984, a unit he later commanded with distinction. His illustrious career spanning nearly four decades has been punctuated by a balanced exposure to both the Northern and Western Theatres, reflecting his versatility and leadership acumen.
During his extensive service, Lieutenant General Dwivedi has held numerous command and staff appointments, including commanding his unit in the Kashmir Valley and Rajasthan, serving as Sector Commander and Inspector General of Assam Rifles in the North East, and leading the Rising Star Corps along the Western Borders. Additionally, Lieutenant General Dwivedi played a key role in negotiations with China to resolve border disputes, while also spearheading modernization efforts and promoting indigenous equipment under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Beyond command responsibilities, Lieutenant General Dwivedi has made significant contributions to enhancing the technological capabilities of the Indian Army, advocating for the adoption of critical and emerging technologies such as Big Data Analytics, AI, Quantum, and Blockchain-based solutions.
