In a significant development, the Indian government has appointed Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi as the next Chief of the Army Staff. He will succeed the incumbent Chief, General Manoj C. Pande, and assume office on June 30, 2024.
Career Highlights:
- Lt. Gen. Dwivedi, currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, brings extensive operational experience in dealing with both China and Pakistan.
- His command appointments include leading the 18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles Regiment, 26 Sector Assam Rifles Brigade, and serving as Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East) and 9 Corps.
- Notably, he held the position of Director General of Infantry and General Officer Commanding in Chief at the Northern Command from 2022 to 2024 before assuming the role of Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
- An alumnus of the Sainik School Rewa, Lt. Gen. Dwivedi also holds an M.Phil. in Defense and Management Studies, along with two Master’s Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science.
Lt. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi has served in various posts in his 40 years of service, including Command of Regiments (18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles), Brigade (26 Sector Assam Rifles), Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East), and 9 Corps.
Government’s Decision:
- The government’s decision to extend Gen. Pande’s tenure by a month, just before his retirement, sparked speculation about keeping options open for the next government to decide on the selection of the Army Chief.
- Lt. Gen. Dwivedi’s appointment follows the norm of appointing the most senior Army commander or the Army vice chief as the Army chief upon the serving COAS’s retirement.
Conclusion: Lt. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi’s appointment marks a crucial transition for the Indian Army, and his leadership will be closely watched as he takes charge later this month. His wealth of experience and strategic insights will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s defense forces.
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Nikhil Malhotra 
