GEN UPENDRA DWIVEDI TAKES CHARGE OF THE INDIAN ARMY

Gen Upendra Dwivedi would have his hands fullas the COAS.

- MAJ GEN SUDHAKAR

LtGen Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM is currently serving as the 46th Vice Chief of the Army Staff since 19 February 2024. He has vast operational experience in dealing with China, Pakistan and Indo-Myanmar border, bordering Manipur besides other adjoining states in India. He has been appointed as the next Chief of the Army Staff with effect from the afternoon of 30 June 2024. He will succeed General Manoj Pande, the 29th and the current Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army.

Lt Gen Dwivedi, born on 1 July 1964, is an alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and then the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.

The COAS (Designate) was commissioned into the 18th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regiment of the Indian Army on 15 December 1984 from the Indian Military Academy. He later commanded the same battalion at Chowkibal in Kashmir Valley during Operation Rakshak and the deserts of Rajasthan. He commanded a sector of the Assam Rifles in Manipur during Operation Rhino, served in Assam as Inspector General Assam Rifles (East), and held various other Staff & Command appointments in the Northeast.

He has had a unique distinction of balanced exposure of both Northern and Western Theatres in India.

The General Officer has held several important command, staff, instructional, and foreign assignments throughout his nearly 40-year-long distinguished career prior to his appointment as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.