Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi To Be The Next Army Chief

Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi has been appointed as the New Chief of Army Staff in Indian Army. In this Article, you will know about His Education Background, Military Achievements and other things.

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The Government of India has appointed Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, who is currently serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief of the Army Staff commencing from the afternoon of June 30, 2024. The present Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM will demit office on June 30, 2024.

Born on July 01, 1964, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi has been serving the Nation for 40 years. He was commissioned into the Infantry (Jammu & Kashmir Rifles) of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984. He has held various Command, Staff, Instructional, and Foreign appointments. His Command appointments include Regiment (18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles), Brigade (26 Sector Assam Rifles), Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East), and 9 Corps. He has been honored with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards.

In the rank of Lt Gen, he held significant appointments such as Director General Infantry and General Officer Commanding in Chief (Headquarter Northern Command) from 2022-2024 before being appointed as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.

Must Know Things about New Army Chief Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi

After commanding the Rising Star Corps, the General Officer assumed command of the prestigious Northern Army from 2022-2024, operating in a challenging operational environment.
He has a unique distinction of balanced exposure of both Northern and Western Theatre
During his tenure, he provided strategic guidance and operational oversight for planning and executing sustained operations along the Line of Control and Line of Actual Control.
Orchestrated dynamic Counter-Terrorism Operations in Jammu & Kashmir.
Played a key role in modernization and equipping efforts within the largest Army Command, facilitating the induction of Indigenous equipment as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Actively collaborated with the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, fostering convergent Nation Building outcomes and promoting infrastructure development.

Educational Background of Lt. Gen Upendra Dwivedi

Alumni of Sainik School, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh.
Attended the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune
Graduated from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.
Attended Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.
Completed Higher Command Course at Army War College, Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.
Conferred ‘Distinguished Fellow’ in the National Defence College equivalent course at United States Army War College, Carlisle, USA.
Holds an M.Phil in Defence & Management Studies.
Holds two Master’s Degrees, one in Strategic Studies and the other in Military Science, including one from United States Army War College.

Military Career of New Army Chief, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi

Commissioned into the 18th battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles on December 15, 1984 from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.
Commanded a battalion in Chowkibal, Kashmir Valley, during Operation Rakshak, and also served in the deserts of Rajasthan.
Commanded a sector of the Assam Rifles in Manipur during Operation Rhino and served as Inspector General, Assam Rifles, in Assam.
Held various Staff & Command appointments in the North East, demonstrating a unique balance of exposure to both Northern and Western Theatres.
Tenanted various staff appointments in Headquarter Armoured Brigade, Mountain Division, Strike Corps, and Integrated HQ, MoD (Army).
Instructor at the Indian Military Academy and directing staff at the higher command wing in the Army War College.
Served two overseas tenures, including Somalia as part of HQ UNOSOM II and as military attaché to the government of Seychelles.
Appointment as Director General Infantry empowered him to fast-track capital procurement cases of weapons for all three services, significantly enhancing capability for the Armed Forces.
Appointed commander of IX Corps in February 2020 and later as the Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (Information Systems and Coordination) in April 2021.
Became General Officer Commanding in Chief, Northern Command, on February 1, 2022, focusing on enhancing technological capabilities and modernization efforts.
Appointed as the 46th Vice Chief of Army Staff on February 19, 2024, succeeding Lieutenant General M. V. Suchindra Kumar.
Appointed as the next Chief of Army Staff by the Government of India on June 11, 2024, succeeding General Manoj Pande, effective June 30, 2024.

Ranks Held by Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi

Rank	Organisation	Date and Year
Lieutenant General	Indian Army	15 July 2019
Major General	Indian Army	1 December 2016
Brigadier	Indian Army	13 June 2011
Colonel	Indian Army	1 April 2006
Lieutenant Colonel	Indian Army	16 December 2004
Major	Indian Army	15 December 1995
Captain	Indian Army	15 December 1989
Lieutenant	Indian Army	15 December 1986
Second Lieutenant	Indian Army	15 December 1984

FAQs

How many stars does a Lieutenant General Have?

Lieutenant General is a Three Star General.

Who appoints Chief of Army Staff?

Appointments to the position of Army chief is made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) - comprising the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence, upon recommendation from the IHQ of MoD.