Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi appointed as India's new army chief

As the term of General Manoj Pande comes to an end, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has been appointed as India's new chief of army staff.

According to a statement issued by the Defence Ministry, Dwivedi will take charge from June 30, The Business Standard reported.

Defence Ministry Spokesperson A Bharat Bhushan Babu in a post on X said: "(The) government has appointed Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, presently serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief of the Army Staff with effect from the afternoon of June 30, 2024."

Dwivedi has been in military service for over 39 years and has held the positions of sector commander and inspector general, as well as commanded several units in Rajasthan and Kashmir. He served as the 46th vice chief of the Army Staff from February 2024 to June 2024.

In addition, Dwivedi has also served as deputy chief at Army Headquarters and headed the 9th Corps in Himachal Pradesh.

Besides his military accomplishments, Dwivedi’s academic credentials include an MPhil in Defence & Management Studies and Master's Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science.

Lt Gen Dwivedi has received several awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards.