The Government of India has announced the appointment of Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, as the next Chief of the Army Staff. Currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Dwivedi will assume the new role following the retirement of the incumbent Chief, Gen Manoj C Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, on the afternoon of June 30, 2024.
Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, born on July 1, 1964, was commissioned into the Infantry (Jammu & Kashmir Rifles) of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984. His distinguished military career spans nearly four decades, during which he has held a variety of key command, staff, instructional, and foreign appointments. Notable command roles include leading the 18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles Regiment, 26 Sector Assam Rifles, serving as Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East), and commanding the 9 Corps.
In his tenure as a Lieutenant General, Lt Gen Dwivedi has held significant positions such as Director General Infantry and General Officer Commanding in Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command from 2022 to 2024. His extensive experience culminated in his current role as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
An alumnus of Sainik School Rewa, the National Defence College (NDC), and the US Army War College, Lt Gen Dwivedi has also completed courses at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington and the Army War College in Mhow. He holds an M Phil in Defence & Management Studies and two Master’s Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science. Additionally, he was honored as a ‘Distinguished Fellow’ during the prestigious NDC-equivalent course at the US Army War College, Carlisle, USA.
Lt Gen Dwivedi’s exemplary service has been recognized with several decorations, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards.
