Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi to Become India’s New Army Chief

Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi is set to become the new Chief of Army Staff of India, succeeding the current Army Chief, General Manoj Pandey, who will retire on June 30.

The Ministry of Defense announced that Lt. Gen. Dwivedi would assume the role following the retirement of Gen. Pandey. The Indian government has adhered to the principle of seniority in Dwivedi’s appointment.

Born on July 1, 1964, Lt. Gen. Dwivedi has an impressive educational background. He attended Sainik School Rewa, National Defense College, and the US Army War College. Additionally, he completed courses at DSSC Wellington and Army War College in Mahu. He was awarded the title of ‘Distinguished Fellow’ in the prestigious NDC equivalent course at the USAWC, Carlisle, USA. He also holds an MPhil in Defense and Management and a degree in Strategic Studies and Military Science.

Lt. Gen. Dwivedi’s illustrious career spans nearly four decades, during which he has held various command, staff, and instructional positions. He was inducted into the Indian Army’s Infantry Jammu and Kashmir Rifles on December 15, 1984.

Throughout his service, Dwivedi has demonstrated considerable operational expertise on the borders with China and Pakistan. He commanded his battalion in the Kashmir Valley, Assam Rifles Sector, Inspectorate General Assam Rifles, and the Indo-Myanmar border.

He has also served as a Staff Officer in the Armored Brigade, Directorate General of Military Operations, Military Secretary Branch, and Divisional and Corps Headquarters. His distinguished service has earned him several accolades, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and three GOC-in-C commendations.

Lt. Gen. Dwivedi will serve as the Army Chief until he reaches the age of 62 or for a maximum of three years, whichever comes first. His extensive experience and expertise are expected to guide the Indian Army through various operational challenges and strategic initiatives.

General Pandey’s tenure was initially set to end on May 31 but was extended by one month during the election process, in accordance with Rule 16A (4) of the Indian Army Regulations, 1954. He assumed the position of Army Chief on April 30, 2022, succeeding General MM Naravane. Notably, General Pandey is the first officer from the Corps of Engineers to become the Army Chief, a position traditionally held by infantry, armored, and artillery officers.

Before assuming the role of Army Chief, General Pandey was the Deputy Chief of Army Staff and had previously commanded the Eastern Army, responsible for protecting the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in the northeastern states of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. He also served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, highlighting his diverse and comprehensive military leadership.

The extension of General Pandey’s tenure is reminiscent of the 1970s when the tenure of then Army Chief General GG Bewoor was extended by one year during Indira Gandhi’s government. Such extensions are rare and underscore the significance of leadership stability during crucial periods.

Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi’s appointment as the new Chief of Army Staff marks a significant transition for the Indian Army. With his extensive experience and proven leadership, he is well-positioned to lead the Indian Army through current and future challenges, ensuring the nation’s defense and strategic interests are upheld. As he prepares to take on this new role, the Indian military community and the nation look forward to his contributions to strengthening the armed forces.