Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi Assumes Charge As Vice Chief of Army Staff

Lt General Upendra Dwivedi assumed charge as Vice Chief of Army Staff on Monday. (Image: News18)

Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has assumed the role of Vice Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar. Lt Gen Dwivedi, an accomplished officer with a distinguished career spanning 39 years, brings a wealth of experience to his new position. Lt Gen Dwivedi was serving as the Northern Army Commander in his previous assessment.

Lt Gen Kumar has been appointed as General-Officer-Commanding of Udhampur-based Northern Command. Lt Gen Dwivedi is the front-runner to become the Army Chief when incumbent General Manoj Pande retires on May 31.

Lt Gen Dwivedi on Monday paid homage to the fallen heroes at the National War memorial in Delhi and reviewed a guard of honour before taking charge of his new responsibility.

A graduate of Sainik School, Rewa (MP), Lt Gen Dwivedi was commissioned into the 18 JAK RIF in 1984. Throughout his career, he has commanded units in diverse terrains, including the Kashmir valley and the deserts of Rajasthan. His achievements include being awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and three GOC-in-C Commendation cards.

Notably, he has commanded the prestigious Northern Army from 2022 to 2024, overseeing operations along the Chinese and Pakistan borders, as well as counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

He played a key role in modernization efforts and the integration of indigenous equipment into the army, promoting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

In addition to his operational roles, Lt Gen Dwivedi has held various staff appointments and served overseas in Somalia and Seychelles. He holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies and Military Science, among other qualifications.