The Ministry of Defence announced the appointment of Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi as the next Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding Gen Manoj C Pande. This appointment will take effect from the afternoon of June 30, 2024, the same day Gen Pande will retire from service.
Lt Gen Dwivedi, who currently serves as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, met with Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. This visit comes just after the official announcement of his upcoming role as the head of the Indian Army.
Born on July 1, 1964, Lt Gen Dwivedi was commissioned into the Infantry of the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles on December 15, 1984. With a career spanning nearly four decades, he has held a variety of significant Command, Staff, Instructional, and Foreign appointments. His Command appointments include leading the 18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, the 26 Sector Assam Rifles, serving as Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East), and commanding the 9 Corps.
The distinguished officer is decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and other honors, reflecting his exceptional service and commitment to the nation.
The transition of leadership is expected to be seamless, with Lt Gen Dwivedi bringing extensive experience and a deep understanding of contemporary military challenges to the table.
