In an important announcement, the government has named Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi as the next Chief of Army Staff. Lt. Gen. Dwivedi, who is currently the Vice Chief of Army Staff, will step into his new role on June 30, 2024. He will succeed General Manoj Pande, who is set to retire on the same day.
General Manoj Pande, the current Chief of Army Staff, received a one-month extension of his tenure, an unusual move that coincided with the Lok Sabha elections. His retirement on June 30 will make way for Lt. Gen. Dwivedi to take over the top position in the Bharatiya Army.
Born on July 1, 1964, Lt. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi has had a long and distinguished military career. He was commissioned into the Infantry (Jammu & Kashmir Rifles) of the Bharatiya Army on December 15, 1984. Over nearly four decades, he has served in various important Command, Staff, Instructional, and Foreign appointments.
Breaking News: Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi appointed as the next Chief of Army Staff!
Currently Vice Chief of Army Staff, he'll take over the position on June 30, 2024, succeeding General Manoj Pande. #IndianArmy #ChiefOfArmyStaff #UpendraDwivedi #MilitaryLeadership pic.twitter.com/1UqiD2wOAD— Ritam English (@EnglishRitam) June 11, 2024
Lt. Gen. Dwivedi’s notable command roles include leading the 18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles Regiment, the 26 Sector Assam Rifles Brigade, and serving as Deputy Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East). He also commanded the 9 Corps, showcasing his extensive leadership experience.
As a Lieutenant General, Dwivedi held significant positions such as Director General Infantry and General Officer Commanding in Chief (Headquarter Northern Command) from 2022 to 2024. He was appointed Vice Chief of the Army Staff, the second-highest position in the Indian Army, prior to his recent promotion.
Lt. Gen. Dwivedi is an alumnus of several prestigious institutions, including Sainik School Rewa, the National Defence College, and the US Army War College. He has completed advanced courses at the Defence Services Staff College Wellington and Army War College Mhow. His academic credentials include an MPhil in Defence & Management Studies and Master’s Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science.
Throughout his career, Lt. Gen. Dwivedi has been recognized for his exemplary service with several prestigious awards. These include the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards. In addition, he was honored as a ‘Distinguished Fellow’ at the National Defense College equivalent course at the USAWC, Carlisle, USA.
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With his extensive experience and distinguished service record, Lt. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi is well-prepared to assume the role of Chief of Army Staff. His appointment marks a new chapter in the leadership of the Bharatiya Army, promising continued excellence and dedication to the country.
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