Indian government has picked Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi as the next chief of the army Staff.
The military veteran with decades of experience is currently serving as vice-chief of the Army Staff. His appointment sparked debate within the military regarding a potential deviation from the seniority principle.
The standard procedure is to elevate either the highest-ranking Army commander or the Vice-Chief of the Army to the position of Army Chief upon the retirement of the incumbent. Dwivedi holds the position of the most senior officer in the Indian Army.
Lt General Upendra Dwivedi
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi got top awards, including Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards.
During his stint as the Northern Army commander, he provided strategic guidance and operational oversight for planning and executing sustained operations along the northern and western borders.
The 60-year-old supervised counter-terrorism operations in several regions and was actively involved in negotiations with Beijing regarding the border clashes.
Dwivedi played a key role in modernizing and equipping the largest Indian Army command, focusing on the induction of indigenous equipment as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. With nearly 40 years of distinguished service, he has held various command, staff, instructional, and foreign appointments.
Dwivedi was commissioned into the 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles of the Indian Army in 1984, later commanding the unit. He got military education from National Defence College and the US Army War College, with additional training at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and the Army War College in Mhow.
The serving general officer holds an M Phil in defence and management studies, as well as two Master’s Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science.
