30th Army Chief: Gen Dwivedi assumes command of 1.3 million-strong Army

General Upendra Dwivedi, with extensive operational experience along the frontiers with China and Pakistan, assumed charge as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff on Sunday.

- SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

His appointment comes at a time when India faces numerous security challenges, including those along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Gen Dwivedi succeeds Gen Manoj Pande, who retired after more than four decades of service. "Gen Dwivedi brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record of effectively planning and executing for the unexpected," the Army stated.

He had been serving as the Vice Chief of the Army since February 19, following his role as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command from 2022 to 2024.

An alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, Gen Dwivedi was commissioned into a regiment of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in 1984. He is distinguished by his balanced command and staff exposure across the Northern, Eastern, and Western theatres in varied operational environments.

The Army emphasised that Gen Dwivedi's focus will be on augmenting the infusion of critical technologies by leveraging the nation's vibrant, capable, and productive technology ecosystem to enhance the force's overall capability.