The Government has appointed Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, 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, 2024. The present Chief of the Army Staff Gen Manoj C Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM demits office on June 30, 2024.
Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi was commissioned into the Indian Army’s Infantry (Jammu & Kashmir Rifles) on December 15, 1984. In his nearly 40 years of illustrious service, he has held a number of positions in instruction, staff, command, and overseas deployment. Lt Gen Dwivedi’s command postings are as Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East), Brigade (26 Sector Assam Rifles), and Command of Regiment (18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles).
Before being named Vice Chief of the Army Staff, the Lieutenant General held significant positions as General Officer Commanding in Chief (Headquarter Northern Command) and Director General of Infantry from 2022 to 2024.
Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi is a graduate of the Sainik School Rewa, National Defence College, and US Army War College. He also completed coursework at the DSSC Wellington and Army War College, Mhow. Furthermore, the officer received the esteemed title of “Distinguished Fellow” in the highly sought-after NDC comparable course at USAWC, Carlisle, USA. The officer holds two master’s degrees in military science and strategic studies in addition to a M Phil in defense and management studies.