Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi To Be The Next Army Chief
The Government of India has appointed Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, currently serving as the Vice Chief of Army Staff, as the next Chief of Army Staff with effect from the afternoon of June 30, 2024. The current Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pandey, PVSM, AVSM, VSM will step down on June 30, 2024.
Born on July 01, 1964, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has been serving the nation for over 40 years. He was commissioned into the Infantry (Jammu & Kashmir Rifles) of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984. He has held various command, staff, instructional and overseas appointments. His command appointments include Regiment (18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles), Brigade (26 Sector Assam Rifles), Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East) and 9 Corps. He has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards.
In the rank of Lt Gen, he held significant appointments such as Director General Infantry and General Officer Commanding in Chief (Headquarter Northern Command) from 2022-2024 before being appointed as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
Who is Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi ?
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi was commissioned into the Infantry (Jammu and Kashmir Rifles) of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984.
The Centre on Tuesday appointed Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi as the next Chief of Army Staff, putting an end to speculations over this crucial appointment. Dwivedi, who is currently the Vice Chief of Army Staff, will replace incumbent General Manoj Pandey, whose tenure has been extended by a month till June 30.
Born on July 1, 1964, Dwivedi was commissioned into the Infantry (Jammu and Kashmir Rifles) of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984. During his long service of nearly 40 years, he has served in various command, staff, instructional and overseas appointments. Lieutenant General Dwivedi’s command appointments include command of a Regiment (18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles), Brigade (26 Sector Assam Rifles), Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East) and 9 Corps.
Must Know Things about New Army Chief Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi
- After commanding the Rising Star Corps, the General Officer assumed command of the prestigious Northern Army from 2022-2024, operating in a challenging operational environment.
- He has a unique distinction of balanced exposure of both Northern and Western Theatre
- During his tenure, he provided strategic guidance and operational oversight for planning and executing sustained operations along the Line of Control and Line of Actual Control.
- Orchestrated dynamic Counter-Terrorism Operations in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Played a key role in modernization and equipping efforts within the largest Army Command, facilitating the induction of Indigenous equipment as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- Actively collaborated with the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, fostering convergent Nation Building outcomes and promoting infrastructure development.
Educational Background of Lt. Gen Upendra Dwivedi
- Alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh.
- Studied at National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, Pune.
- Graduated from Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.
- Studied at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.
- Completed Higher Command Course at Army War College, Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.
- Awarded ‘Distinguished Fellow’ at the equivalent course of National Defence College at Carlisle, USA.
- M.Phil. in Defence and Management Studies
- Two Master’s degrees, one in Strategic Studies and the other in Military Science, one of which is from Army War College, USA.
Military Career of New Army Chief, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi
- Commissioned into the 18th battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles on December 15, 1984 from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.
- Commanded a battalion in Chowkibal, Kashmir Valley, during Operation Rakshak, and also served in the deserts of Rajasthan.
- Commanded a sector of the Assam Rifles in Manipur during Operation Rhino and served as Inspector General, Assam Rifles, in Assam.
- Held various Staff & Command appointments in the North East, demonstrating a unique balance of exposure to both Northern and Western Theatres.
- Tenanted various staff appointments in Headquarter Armoured Brigade, Mountain Division, Strike Corps, and Integrated HQ, MoD (Army).
- Instructor at the Indian Military Academy and directing staff at the higher command wing in the Army War College.
- Served two overseas tenures, including Somalia as part of HQ UNOSOM II and as military attaché to the government of Seychelles.
- Appointment as Director General Infantry empowered him to fast-track capital procurement cases of weapons for all three services, significantly enhancing capability for the Armed Forces.
- Appointed commander of IX Corps in February 2020 and later as the Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (Information Systems and Coordination) in April 2021.
- Became General Officer Commanding in Chief, Northern Command, on February 1, 2022, focusing on enhancing technological capabilities and modernization efforts.
- Appointed as the 46th Vice Chief of Army Staff on February 19, 2024, succeeding Lieutenant General M. V. Suchindra Kumar.
- Appointed as the next Chief of Army Staff by the Government of India on June 11, 2024, succeeding General Manoj Pande, effective June 30, 2024.
Ranks Held by Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi
| Rank | Organisation | Date and Year |
| Lieutenant General | Indian Army | 15 July 2019 |
| Major General | Indian Army | 1 December 2016 |
| Brigadier | Indian Army | 13 June 2011 |
| Colonel | Indian Army | 1 April 2006 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Indian Army | 16 December 2004 |
| Major | Indian Army | 15 December 1995 |
| Captain | Indian Army | 15 December 1989 |
| Lieutenant | Indian Army | 15 December 1986 |
| Second Lieutenant | Indian Army | 15 December 1984 |
FAQs
How many stars does a Lieutenant General Have?
Lieutenant General is a Three Star General.
Who appoints Chief of Army Staff?
Appointments to the position of Army chief is made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) – comprising the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence, upon recommendation from the IHQ of MoD.
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