Who Is Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi?

Dwivedi is a US Army War College graduate and the National Defence College.

By
Shruti Singhal
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The Central Government has designated Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi as the next Chief of Army Staff. This decision was made because the current Chief of Army Staff, Manoj Pande, is nearing the end of his tenure in office. Dwivedi is expected to start his tenure on June 30, 2024. Lieutenant Dwivedi will take over as the next person to serve the position after Manoj Pande’s tenure in office was extended by one month earlier this month. 

At the beginning of the 1970s, Indira Gandhi’s government decided to prolong the mandate of Army Chief General G. G. Bewoor by one consecutive year. This was the first time such an extension had ever been granted, and it took place almost 50 years ago when General Pande was granted the extension.

Career in the Defence Sector

Born on July 1, 1964, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi was appointed on December 15, 1984, into the Indian Army’s Infantry (Jammu and Kashmir Rifles). He has held various posts throughout his long and distinguished career, which has lasted over four decades, including those in command, staff, instructional, and global capacities. Lieutenant General Dwivedi has appointed people to lead the 18th Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regiment, the Brigade of the 26th Sector of the Assam Rifles, the 9th Corps, the DIG of the Assam Rifles (East), and the Brigade.

The commander served as a Lieutenant General and held several influential roles before being appointed Vice Chief of the Army Staff. Director General of Infantry and General Officer Commanding in Chief of Headquarters Northern Command were among these roles held between 2022 and 2024.

Education Background

  • Dwivedi attended Sainik School in Rewa, where he was commissioned into the Indian Army’s 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles on December 15, 1984. Later, he was in charge of the unit.
  • Dwivedi is a US Army War College graduate and the National Defence College.
  • Additionally, he completed coursework at the Army War College in Mhow and the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington.
  • At the prestigious NDC comparable course at USAWC, Carlisle, USA, the newly appointed Indian Army Chief was awarded the title of “Distinguished Fellow.” 
  • In addition to an M Phil in Defence and management studies, the officer has two master’s degrees in military science and strategic studies.

List of Achievements

  • Three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards, the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal have been presented to Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi.
  • As commander of the Northern Army, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi provided operational supervision and strategic direction for organising and carrying out long-term operations along the northern and western frontiers. In Jammu and Kashmir, he also oversaw active counterterrorism operations.
  • According to reports, Upendra Dwivedi was actively participating in the current talks to settle the contentious border dispute with China at the time.
  • As part of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), he oversaw the introduction of indigenous equipment in the most significant Indian Army command, which he also helped modernise and equip.

 

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