General Upendra Dwivedi Takes Over as New Chief of Indian Army as Manoj Pande Retires

General Upendra Dwivedi took on the role of the 30th Chief of the Army Staff on Sunday, succeeding General Manoj Pande, who retired from active service. Previously serving as the Vice Chief of the Army, General Dwivedi brings with him extensive operational experience along the frontiers with China and Pakistan.

Remarkably, General Dwivedi is the first Army chief from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (JAKRIF). The regiment has a historical connection to the former royal house of the Dogra rulers of Jammu and Kashmir, a former princely state that is now a Union territory.

General’s journey 

Originally from Madhya Pradesh, he attended Sainik School Rewa and enrolled in the National Defence Academy (NDA) in January 1981. He received his commission into the 18th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in December 1984, where he subsequently commanded operations in the Kashmir Valley and the deserts of Rajasthan.

Since his school days, he distinguished himself as a talented sportsman, achieving recognition at both the NDA and the Indian Military Academy (IMA) where he earned a ‘Blue’ in physical training. Following his commission, he continued to excel and was awarded a gold medal in a physical training course.

General Dwivedi boasts a well-rounded background with extensive experience across diverse operational environments in the northern, western, and eastern theatres. His assignments have spanned challenging terrains such as deserts, high altitudes, riverine areas, urban settings, and the northeast, including Jammu and Kashmir.

He commanded his battalion during counter-terrorist operations in the Kashmir Valley and in the deserts of Rajasthan. His leadership extended to pivotal roles such as Inspector General Assam Rifles (IGAR-GOC) and Sector Commander of the Assam Rifles, where he led intensive counter-terrorist operations. Throughout his career, he has held numerous command and staff positions in the northeast, notably pioneering the first compendium on Indo-Myanmar border management.

Photo credit : AP7AM 

Following his previous assignments, General Dwivedi assumed command of the Rising Star Corps along the western front and served as the Northern Army commander from 2022 to 2024, navigating through highly demanding operational scenarios. He played a pivotal role in strategizing and overseeing sustained military operations along the northern and western borders, while also leading dynamic counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.

Throughout his tenure, General Dwivedi prioritized the modernization and enhancement of the Indian Army’s largest command, leading efforts to integrate indigenous equipment under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. His varied roles included overseeing conventional operations of an Armoured Brigade in Punjab’s plains, providing logistical support to a Mountain Division in the northeast along the northern borders, and commanding operations of a Strike Corps in desert environments. Additionally, General Dwivedi gained international experience through deployments to Somalia with HQ UNOSOM II and serving as a Military Advisor to the government of Seychelles.

Sudhakar’s dissatisfaction 

Earlier this month, Maj Gen Sudhakar Jee (Retd) penned an article for news agency IANS expressing satisfaction with Gen Dwivedi’s appointment. He highlighted their shared history from the Indian Military Academy and praised Dwivedi’s career trajectory. Maj Gen Sudhakar Jee specifically commended Dwivedi’s efforts in enhancing technological integration within the Indian Army, noting his roles in capital procurement and technology absorption. He advocated for a renewed focus on defence preparedness, counter-terrorism operations in Jammu & Kashmir, and strengthening India’s strategic borders under Dwivedi’s leadership.

General Dwivedi is married to Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, who holds a degree in science and is a homemaker. Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi has been actively involved with Aarushi, an institute in Bhopal that caters to specially abled children. The couple has two daughters.