General Upendra Dwivedi assumes leadership from General Manoj Pande, focusing on border security and modernization.
In Short:
- General Upendra Dwivedi becomes the new Army chief, succeeding General Manoj Pande.
- Dwivedi has extensive experience along the China and Pakistan borders.
- He previously served as vice chief of the Army and commander of Northern Command.
- He will collaborate with the Navy and Air Force on theatre commands.
- Focuses on modernizing the Army and promoting indigenous equipment.
General Upendra Dwivedi took over as the new Army chief on Sunday, succeeding General Manoj Pande, who retired. General Dwivedi, who has extensive experience with operations along the China and Pakistan borders, was the vice chief of the Army before this appointment.
Previously, General Dwivedi held various important roles, including general officer commanding-in-chief of Northern Command from 2022 to 2024. During his tenure, he provided strategic and operational guidance for border operations and counter-terrorism activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
As the new Army chief, General Dwivedi will work closely with the Navy and the Air Force to implement the government's plan for establishing theatre commands. He is committed to modernizing the Army and promoting the use of indigenous equipment as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. He also aims to synergize efforts with the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh for nation-building and infrastructure development.
Born in Madhya Pradesh, General Dwivedi studied at Sainik School Rewa and joined the National Defence Academy in 1981. He was commissioned into the 18th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in 1984 and later commanded the unit in Kashmir and Rajasthan.
Throughout his career, General Dwivedi has held various staff roles, including handling conventional operations, logistical support, and commanding a Strike Corps in the deserts. He has contributed significantly to the Military Secretary's branch and the Military Operations Directorate. As Director General of Infantry, he expedited the procurement of weapons for all three services.
General Dwivedi also has international experience, having served as a military advisor to the government of Seychelles and attended prestigious military courses in the USA. He holds an MPhil in Defence & Management Studies and two Master's degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science.
General Dwivedi is married to Sunita Dwivedi, a science graduate and homemaker involved with Aarushi, an institute for children with special abilities in Bhopal. They have two daughters who work with NGOs.
General Manoj Pande, Dwivedi's predecessor, retired after a 26-month tenure as the chief. Appointed on April 30, 2022, General Pande had previously served as vice chief of the Army staff and held various other key positions. Commissioned into the Corps of Engineers (The Bombay Sappers) in December 1982, he had also commanded the Eastern Command and served as commander-in-chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command.