• Gen Upendra Dwivedi assumed charge as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff on June 30.

• Gen Dwivedi succeeds Gen Manoj Pande who superannuated after more than four decades of service.

• He takes over as the Chief of Army Staff at a time when the global geo-strategic environment remains dynamic, with the challenges in the security domain becoming more pronounced due to technological advancements and the ever-changing character of modern warfare.

• As the Chief of Army Staff, he will also have to coordinate with the Navy and the Indian Air Force on the government's ambitious plan to roll out theatre commands.

Four decades of illustrious service

• Gen Dwivedi was serving as the vice chief of the Army since February 19. Before becoming the vice chief, he was serving as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command from 2022 to 2024.

• He has been decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and three General Officer Commanding-in Chief (GOC-in-C) Commendation Cards.

• Born on July 1, 1964, he was an alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa, and was commissioned into 18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984. He commanded the unit later.

• An alumnus of National Defence College and US Army War College, Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi has also undergone courses at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Army War College, Mhow.

• The officer has an M Phil in defence and management studies and two Masters’ Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science.

• During his long and distinguished service spanning nearly 40 years, he has served in a variety of command, staff, instructional and foreign appointments.

• The command appointments of Lt Gen Dwivedi include command of regiment (18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles), Brigade (26 Sector Assam Rifles), Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East) and 9 Corps.

• In the rank of Lt Gen, the officer has handled important positions including that of Director General Infantry.

• As Northern Army commander, Lt Gen Dwivedi provided strategic guidance and operational oversight for planning and execution of sustained operations along the northern and western borders, besides orchestrating the dynamic counter-terrorism operations in Jammu & Kashmir.

• During this period, the officer was actively engaged in the ongoing negotiations with China in resolving the vexed border issue.

• He was also involved in modernisation and equipping of the largest Army command of the Indian Army, where he steered the induction of indigenous equipment as part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

• He has a unique distinction of balanced command as well as staff exposure across Northern, Eastern and Western theatres in varied operational environments.

• Gen Dwivedi’s impetus would be to augment the infusion of critical technologies by leveraging the nation's vibrant, capable and productive technology eco-system to enhance the force's overall capability.

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