In army circles, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi is known for his calm, and reassuring demeanor. Yet he means business when it comes to soldering.
Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi has been named as the next chief of the Army staff. He will succeed General Manoj Pande, who will retire on June 30. . Lt Gen Dwivedi has vast operational experience along the frontiers with China and Pakistan, and is currently serving as vice chief of the army staff. General Manoj Pande
Last month, the government extended General Pande’s tenure by one month, six days before his superannuation on May 31.
“The government has appointed Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, presently serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief of the Army Staff with effect from the afternoon of June 30,” the defence ministry said.
Who is Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi?
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has been decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards.
Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi headed the Army’s Northern Commander. He also orchestrated dynamic counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
During this stint as Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi was actively engaged in the ongoing negotiations with China to resolve the vexed border issue.
He was also involved in modernizing and equipping the largest Indian Army command, where he steered the induction of indigenous equipment as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
During his long and distinguished service spanning nearly 40 years, he has served in a variety of command, staff, instructional, and foreign appointments. The command appointments of Dwivedi include command of the regiment (18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles), Brigade (26 Sector Assam Rifles), Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East), and 9 Corps.
Born on July 1, 1964, Dwivedi is an alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa, and was commissioned into the 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984. He commanded the unit later.
Dwivedi is an alumnus of the National Defence College and US Army War College.
He has also undergone courses at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and Army War College, Mhow.
The officer has an M Phil in defence and management studies and two Masters’ Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science.
