Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi to Take over as Indian Army Chief on June 30

Tomorrow marks a pivotal moment for the Indian Army as Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi assumes the mantle of the 30th Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding General Manoj Pande after his commendable 26-month tenure. Lt Gen Dwivedi’s appointment comes at a crucial juncture for the force, amidst sweeping modernization efforts and structural reforms aimed at bolstering national defense capabilities.

Born on July 1, 1964, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi began his illustrious military career when he was commissioned into the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984. With nearly four decades of service, he has amassed a wealth of experience across various command, staff, instructional, and foreign postings.

His recent role as the Northern Army Commander provided him extensive exposure to strategic operations, particularly amidst the military standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. This experience positions him uniquely to navigate the complex challenges facing India’s security landscape.

Lt Gen Dwivedi’s professional journey includes commanding roles at pivotal junctures such as the 18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles Battalion, 26 Sector Assam Rifles Brigade, and Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East). He has also held significant appointments including Director General Infantry and serving in the esteemed 9 Corps.

An alumnus of prestigious institutions including Sainik School Rewa, the National Defence College, and the US Army War College, Lt Gen Dwivedi’s academic prowess is equally noteworthy. He holds an M. Phil in Defence and Management Studies, along with dual Master’s Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science. His accolades include being honored as a 'Distinguished Fellow' during his course at the US Army War College in Carlisle, USA.

As he assumes command, Lt Gen Dwivedi brings with him not only a robust military acumen but also a vision deeply rooted in enhancing operational capabilities through indigenization and strategic foresight. His leadership is expected to steer the Indian Army towards greater preparedness and agility in a rapidly evolving global security environment.