New Delhi: General Upendra Dwivedi took over as the new Indian Army chief on Sunday. Gen Dwivedi, has a distinguished career, having previously served as the Vice Chief of Army Staff, Northern Army Commander, among other key command positions within the force.
Lt Gen Dwivedi, an alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa (MP), has had a distinguished military career spanning over 39 years. He is known for his strong advocacy for the integration of advanced technology in military operations. His extensive operational experience spans both the China border and the boundary with Pakistan.
Throughout his career, Lt Gen Dwivedi has held several command positions in challenging operational environments across India, including the Kashmir Valley and Rajasthan. His notable roles include serving as a Sector Commander and Inspector General of Assam Rifles in the North East, where he operated in intense counter-terrorism settings.
Lt Gen Dwivedi also commanded the Rising Star Corps, which has a critical operational role along India’s Western Borders. From 2022 to 2024, he led the prestigious Northern Army, providing strategic guidance and operational oversight for sustained operations along the northern and western borders. His tenure saw him orchestrate dynamic counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
During this period, the General officer was actively engaged in the ongoing negotiations with China in resolving the vexed border issue. He was also involved in modernisation and equipping of the largest Army Command of the Indian Army, where he steered the induction of indigenous equipment as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Besides the challenging command assignments, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has tenanted important staff appointments in the Headquarters Armoured Brigade, Mountain Division, Strike Corps and Integrated HQ (Army).
As Director General of Infantry, he had steered and fast-tracked capital procurement of weapons for the three services, leading to significant and visible capability enhancement for our Armed Forces. As Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information System & Coordination), the General officer gave impetus to the automation and absorption of niche technologies in the Indian Army. Being a technology enthusiast, he worked towards enhancing the technical threshold of all ranks in Northern Command and pushed for ‘Critical and Emerging Technologies’ like Big Data Analytics, AI, Quantum and Blockchain-based solutions.
The General officer has held instructional appointments to include tenures at Infantry School and Army War College, Mhow. The General officer’s two overseas tenures include Somalia, as part of HQ UNOSOM II and Seychelles as Military Advisor to the Govt of Seychelles.
The General officer was conferred ‘Distinguished Fellow’ in the coveted NDC equivalent course at USAWC, Carlisle, USA. He has an M Phil in Defence and Management Studies, in addition to two Master’s Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science including one from USAWC, USA.
