In a significant military leadership transition, General Manoj Pande retired today, passing on the command of the Indian Army to General Upendra Dwivedi. The official ceremony marked General Dwivedi stepping into his role as the new Chief of the Army Staff.
General Upendra Dwivedi, a veteran with 40 years of distinguished service in the Armed Forces, was commissioned into the Regiment of Jammu & Kashmir Rifles in 1984. An alumnus of Sainik School in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, and the National Defence Academy, General Dwivedi has extensive experience in various operational environments. His career highlights include commanding roles and strategic positions across the Northern, Eastern, and Western theatres.
Prior to his current appointment, General Dwivedi served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command from 2022 to 2024. During this time, he oversaw operations along the sensitive Northern and Western borders and directed counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
General Dwivedi’s leadership is expected to continue the army’s modernization efforts, emphasizing the use of indigenous equipment as part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative. He is also tasked with the strategic integration of theatre commands, working closely with the Indian Navy and Air Force to enhance joint military capabilities.
His predecessor, General Manoj Pande, completed a 26-month tenure as the Army Chief, having been appointed on April 30, 2022. His career spanned several key roles, including Vice Chief of the Army Staff and Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Command.
General Dwivedi’s personal life is equally fulfilling, with his wife, Sunita Dwivedi, actively involved in supporting children with special needs through the Aarushi institute in Bhopal. They have two daughters who are engaged with non-governmental organizations, reflecting the family’s commitment to public service.
This leadership change comes at a crucial time as India continues to face varied security challenges on its borders. General Dwivedi’s extensive operational experience and strategic acumen are set to lead the Indian Army into a new era of modernization and enhanced joint military cooperation.
