General Upendra Dwivedi Becomes Chief of Indian Army, Joins Classmate Admiral Tripathi at Top Ranks

New Delhi, India: In a significant event, General Upendra Dwivedi has taken over as the Chief of the Indian Army. General Dwivedi, a decorated officer known for his extensive operational experience and strategic acumen, succeeded General Manoj Pande, who retired after a distinguished career. Before this prestigious appointment, General Dwivedi served as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff from February 2024.

For the first time in Indian military history, two classmates from Sainik School Rewa in Madhya Pradesh have become service chiefs of the Indian Army and Navy. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi were together in Class 5-A in the early 1970s. Their role numbers were close, with Lt Gen Dwivedi's being 931 and Admiral Tripathi's 938. This historic milestone highlights the strong bond and enduring friendship between the two officers, which began in their formative years and continued through their illustrious military careers.  

A Decorated Career  

General Dwivedi’s illustrious military career is marked by numerous accolades, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and three GOC-in-C Commendation cards. His journey began in Madhya Pradesh, where he attended Sainik School Rewa before joining the National Defence Academy (NDA) in January 1981. He was commissioned into the 18th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles on 15 December 1984. His tenure in the Kashmir Valley and Rajasthan deserts is well-remembered for his leadership and operational expertise.

An outstanding sportsman from his school days, General Dwivedi excelled in both the NDA and the Indian Military Academy (IMA), earning the prestigious Blue in Physical Training. Post-commissioning, he continued to shine, receiving the gold medal in the Physical Training Course.   

Extensive Operational Experience  

General Dwivedi’s career is distinguished by his balanced exposure across Northern, Western, and Eastern Theatres, operating in varied terrains such as deserts, high altitudes, riverine, and built-up areas. He commanded his battalion in active Counter-Terrorist operations in Kashmir and Rajasthan. His leadership roles included serving as Inspector General of Assam Rifles (North) and commanding various operations in the North East, where he pioneered the first compendium on Indo-Myanmar Border Management.

He commanded the Rising Star Corps along the Western front and the prestigious Northern Army from 2022 to 2024. During his tenure, he provided strategic guidance and operational oversight for sustained operations along the Northern and Western borders and orchestrated dynamic counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir. His role in modernizing and equipping the largest Command of the Indian Army, particularly through the induction of indigenous equipment under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, is noteworthy.  

International Tenures and Staff Exposure  

General Dwivedi's varied staff exposures include handling conventional operations of an Armoured Brigade in the Punjab plains, providing logistical support to a Mountain Division in the North East, and managing operations of a Strike Corps in deserts. At the Army Headquarters, he contributed significantly to the Military Secretary’s branch and played a pivotal role in raising a section in the Military Operations Directorate. As the Director General of Infantry, he fast-tracked capital procurement cases of weapons for all three services, enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces. As Deputy Chief, he emphasized automation and the absorption of niche technologies in the Indian Army.

General Dwivedi’s international tenures include serving in Somalia as part of HQ UNOSOM II and as a Military Advisor to the Government of Seychelles. His academic credentials are equally impressive, with an MPhil in Defence & Management Studies, and two Master's Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science, including one from the USAWC, USA. He has authored numerous articles in professional forums and journals, contributing to military thought and strategy.  

As the new Chief of the Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to lead the force into a new era of modernization and operational readiness. His deep understanding of strategic issues, combined with his commitment to technological advancement and Indigenous development, sets a robust foundation for the Indian Army’s future endeavours.