General Upendra Dwivedi Takes Charge as New Indian Army Chief

New Delhi: In a significant leadership transition, General Upendra Dwivedi has assumed the role of Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Manoj Pande.

General Dwivedi, previously Vice Chief of Army Staff, brings extensive experience to his new role. A decorated officer with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, he hails from Madhya Pradesh and is an alumnus of Sainik School Rewa and the National Defence Academy. Commissioned into the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in 1984, Dwivedi is known for his excellence in sports and physical training.

Throughout his career, Dwivedi has gained diverse operational experience across India’s northern, western, and eastern theatres. He commanded a battalion in counter-terrorist operations in Kashmir and Rajasthan, served as Inspector General Assam Rifles and Sector Commander, and led both the Rising Star Corps and Northern Army Command. Notably, he pioneered the Indo-Myanmar border management compendium.

Dwivedi’s strategic contributions include overseeing operations along northern and western borders, leading counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, and spearheading modernization initiatives with a focus on indigenous equipment induction. His international experience includes service in Somalia with UNOSOM II and as Military Advisor to the Seychelles government.

The outgoing chief, General Manoj Pande, hands over command after serving since May 2022. Pande made history as the first officer from the Corps of Engineers to become COAS.