New Delhi: The Government has appointed Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief of the Army Staff, effective from the afternoon of June 30, 2024. Gen Manoj C Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, the current Chief of the Army Staff, will retire on June 30, 2024.
Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, born on July 1, 1964, was commissioned into the Infantry (Jammu & Kashmir Rifles) of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984. His nearly 40-year distinguished career includes various Command, Staff, Instructional, and Foreign appointments. His command appointments include leading the 18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, the 26 Sector Assam Rifles, serving as Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East), and commanding the 9 Corps.
As a Lt Gen, he has held significant positions, such as Director General Infantry and General Officer Commanding in Chief (Headquarter Northern Command) from 2022 to 2024, before becoming the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
Lt Gen Dwivedi is an alumnus of Sainik School Rewa, the National Defence College, and the US Army War College. He has also completed courses at the DSSC Wellington and the Army War College, Mhow. Additionally, he was honored as a ‘Distinguished Fellow’ in the NDC equivalent course at the USAWC, Carlisle, USA. He holds an MPhil in Defence & Management Studies and two Master’s degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science.
Lt Gen Dwivedi has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards.
