Lt Gen Dwivedi Appointed as New Indian Army Chief

News Desk

Islamabad: Indian Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has been named the new Army Chief, Indian media reported on Wednesday. 

According to Indian media, he will assume the position on June 30, following the resignation of the current Army Chief, General Manoj C Pandey. 

Lieutenant General Dwivedi, born in 1964, is presently the Vice Chief of Army Staff and has held several significant posts. 

General Manoj C Pandey, who was scheduled to retire at the end of May, had his term extended by one month.

Lt. Gen. Dwivedi: Decorated Officer to Lead Indian Army

Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has been honored with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards.

As the Northern Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Dwivedi provided strategic guidance and operational oversight for sustained operations along the northern and western borders, while also directing dynamic counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, officials told news agency PTI.

During this period, Dwivedi was actively involved in ongoing negotiations with China to resolve the complex border issue.

He also played a key role in modernizing and equipping the largest Indian Army command, steering the induction of indigenous equipment under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.

With a distinguished career spanning nearly 40 years, Lt. Gen. Dwivedi has served in various command, staff, instructional, and foreign appointments.

His command roles include leading the 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles regiment, the 26 Sector Assam Rifles Brigade, serving as Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East), and commanding the 9 Corps.

From 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles to Army Chief

Born on July 1, 1964, Dwivedi is an alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa, and was commissioned into the 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984, later commanding the unit.

He is also an alumnus of the National Defence College and the US Army War College. Additionally, he has completed courses at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and the Army War College in Mhow.

Dwivedi holds an MPhil in Defence and Management Studies, as well as two Master’s degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science.