The Government of India has announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, as the next Chief of the Army Staff, effective from the afternoon of June 30, 2024. He will succeed General Manoj C. Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, who will retire on the same day.
Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi was born on July 1, 1964, and commissioned into the Infantry, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984. With a career that spans nearly four decades, Lt Gen Dwivedi has held numerous prestigious positions across various facets of the Army. His extensive experience includes command of the 18th Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, the 26th Sector of the Assam Rifles, and the esteemed 9 Corps. Additionally, he has served as the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East).
Prior to his latest appointment as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Dwivedi was the Director General of Infantry and the General Officer Commanding in Chief at the Northern Command Headquarters from 2022 to 2024.
Educated at the Sainik School Rewa and the National Defence College, Lt Gen Dwivedi is also an alumnus of the US Army War College. He has further enriched his military education with courses at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) Wellington and the Army War College, Mhow. His academic credentials include two Master’s Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science, and an MPhil in Defence & Management Studies. Moreover, he was honored as a ‘Distinguished Fellow’ during his tenure at the US Army War College in Carlisle, USA.
Lt Gen Dwivedi’s exemplary service has been recognized with several decorations, including the prestigious Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards.
As he prepares to lead the Indian Army, Lt Gen Dwivedi brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished track record of service and leadership. His strategic expertise and comprehensive military background are expected to guide the Army through the evolving challenges of modern warfare and security.
