In a significant military appointment, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has assumed the role of the Vice Chief of the Army Staff on 19 February 2024. Marking his new position, Lt. Gen. Dwivedi honored India’s fallen heroes at the National War Memorial and received a Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns, underscoring the solemnity and significance of his appointment.
Before stepping into this prestigious role, Lt. Gen. Dwivedi served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command from 2022 to 2024, navigating through an exceedingly challenging operational landscape. His tenure in the Northern Command was marked by strategic and operational accomplishments, especially in managing the intricate dynamics along India’s northern and western borders, and advancing counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu & Kashmir.
A distinguished alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, Lt. Gen. Dwivedi was commissioned into the 18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles in 1984, eventually leading the unit as its commander. His career, spanning over 39 years, showcases a remarkable trajectory of leadership across various theatres, including commanding roles in Kashmir Valley and Rajasthan, and pivotal assignments with the Assam Rifiles in the North East, amidst an intense counter-terrorism environment.
Lt. Gen. Dwivedi’s leadership was instrumental in the Northern Army’s strategic guidance and operational planning, particularly in addressing the ongoing border negotiations with China and spearheading the modernization of the Indian Army under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. His efforts in fostering nation-building and infrastructure development in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh have been notable.
Beyond command roles, Lt. Gen. Dwivedi has excelled in staff and instructional capacities, significantly contributing to the procurement and technological advancement of the Indian Armed Forces. His advocacy for emerging technologies, including AI and Blockchain, highlights his forward-thinking approach towards enhancing the operational capabilities of the army.
His academic accolades include M.Phil in Defence & Management Studies, along with master’s degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science, the latter from the U.S. Army War College, USA. Lt. Gen. Dwivedi’s intellectual contributions to military strategy and border management, particularly regarding the Indo-Myanmar border, have been influential.
Succeeding Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, who now leads the Northern Command, Lt. Gen. Dwivedi brings a wealth of experience in operations, intelligence, logistics, and modernization initiatives to his new role as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff. His appointment is a testament to his exemplary service and dedication to the nation’s security and sovereignty.
