General Upendra Dwivedi, an accomplished infantry officer with a distinguished career spanning over four decades, has taken over as the 30th Chief of the Indian Army. The appointment marks a significant milestone for the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles officer, who previously served as the Vice Chief of Army Staff starting February this year.
General Dwivedi, originally from Madhya Pradesh and educated at Sainik School Rewa, joined the National Defence Academy in 1981 and was commissioned into the 18th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in 1984. His military journey includes commanding his battalion in active counter-terrorism operations both in the Kashmir Valley and the Rajasthan Desert.
Throughout his career, General Dwivedi has held key positions including Inspector General of Assam Rifles, Sector Commander, and commanding the Rising Star Corps along the Western Front. His leadership was pivotal during his tenure as the Northern Army Commander from 2022 to 2024, where he oversaw strategic operations along the Northern and Western borders, as well as dynamic counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
A strong advocate of modernization and indigenization in the Indian Army, General Dwivedi spearheaded efforts to integrate indigenous equipment under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. His contributions also extended to infrastructure development and nation-building efforts in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Internationally, General Dwivedi has served in Somalia under UNOSOM II and as Military Advisor to the Government of Seychelles, showcasing his strategic acumen and global engagement in military diplomacy.
In addition to his extensive operational and command experience, General Dwivedi holds multiple post-graduate degrees, including an M.Phil. in Defence & Management Studies, and has been recognized as a ‘Distinguished Fellow’ at the US Army War College.
General Dwivedi is supported by his wife Sunita, who is actively involved with Aarushi, an institute for special ability children in Bhopal, and their two daughters who work with NGOs.
His appointment as the Chief of the Indian Army underscores his commitment to enhancing the operational capabilities and technological readiness of the Indian Armed Forces, ensuring preparedness in the face of evolving security challenges.
Sources By Agencies
