General Upendra Dwivedi Takes Command As Chief Of The Army Staff

On Sunday, General Upendra Dwivedi was appointed as the 30th Chief of the Indian Army, following the retirement of General Manoj Pande on 30 June 2024. Outgoing Army Chief General Manoj Pande officially transferred command to General Upendra Dwivedi, who began his new role from Sunday. Hailing from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles regiment, General Upendra Dwivedi previously served as the Vice Chief of Army Staff since February of this year. He brings a wealth of operational experience from his service along the borders with China and Pakistan.

General Upendra Dwivedi has been honoured with numerous prestigious military decorations, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and three General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Commendation Cards. As the Northern Army Commander, he has provided strategic guidance and operational oversight for sustained operations along India’s northern and western borders. His leadership in counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir has been particularly notable. Additionally, during his tenure, he has played a significant role in shaping military diplomacy and strategic responses by actively engaging in negotiations with China to address ongoing border issues.

Decades Of Excellence: Journey To Becoming Chief Of Army Staff

General Upendra Dwivedi’s distinguished military career spans over 40 years, marked by extensive operational and strategic experience that makes him highly suitable as the next Chief of Army Staff. Commissioned into the 18th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles on 15 December 1984 from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, he commanded a battalion in Kashmir during Operation Rakshak and in Rajasthan’s deserts. He led a sector of the Assam Rifles in Manipur during Operation Rhino and served as Inspector General of Assam Rifles. His balanced exposure to both Northern and Western Theatres, coupled with various staff appointments in Headquarters Armoured Brigade, Mountain Division, Strike Corps, and Integrated HQ, MoD (Army), underscores his strategic acumen

His tenure as an instructor at the Indian Military Academy and as directing staff at the Army War College highlights his role in shaping future military leaders. Internationally, he served in Somalia with HQ UNOSOM II and as a military attaché to the Seychelles. As Director General of Infantry, he expedited the capital procurement of weapons, enhancing the capabilities of the armed forces. Appointed commander of IX Corps in February 2020 and later as Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (Information Systems and Coordination) in April 2021, he advanced automation and technology integration in the Army.

On 1 February 2022, he became the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, where he focused on technology-driven modernization and the induction of indigenous equipment as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat. His synergistic efforts with the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh for nation-building and infrastructure development further demonstrate his leadership capabilities. His appointment as the 46th Vice Chief of Army Staff on 19 February 2024, and subsequent designation as the next Chief of Army Staff from 30 June 2024, reflect his exceptional service record and strategic vision, making him a pivotal leader for the Indian Army.