New Delhi: Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi took over as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff on February 19, 2024, succeeding Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar. The assumption of the appointment was marked by a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial and a Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns.
A distinguished officer with a career spanning 39 years, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has had a wealth of experience in various command and staff appointments. Before assuming the role of Vice Chief, he served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command from 2022 to 2024, operating in an exceptionally challenging operational environment.
Lieutenant General Dwivedi, an alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa (MP), was commissioned into the 18 JAMMU & KASHMIR RIFLES in 1984, eventually commanding the same unit. His unique distinction includes balanced exposure to both Northern and Western Theatres, reflecting his diverse and extensive career.
Throughout his career, Lieutenant General Dwivedi has held significant command appointments in various operational environments across the country. He commanded his unit in the Kashmir Valley and Rajasthan, served as Sector Commander and Inspector General Assam Rifles in the North East during intense counter-terrorism operations, and led the Rising Star Corps with an operational role along the Western Borders.
Notably, during his tenure as the commander of the Northern Army, Lieutenant General Dwivedi played a key role in providing strategic guidance and operational oversight for planning and executing sustained operations along the northern and western borders. He actively engaged in negotiations with China to address the complex border issue and contributed to the modernization and equipping of the largest Army Command of the Indian Army.
In addition to his command assignments, Lieutenant General Dwivedi has held important staff appointments in Headquarters Armoured Brigade, Mountain Division, Strike Corps, and Integrated HQ (Army). As Director General Infantry, he facilitated capital procurement of weapons for the three services, significantly enhancing the capability of the Armed Forces.
His role as Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information System & Coordination) focused on the automation and absorption of niche technologies in the Indian Army. Lieutenant General Dwivedi, known for his enthusiasm for technology, worked towards enhancing the technical capabilities of all ranks in the Northern Command, emphasizing ‘Critical and Emerging Technologies’ like Big Data Analytics, AI, Quantum, and Blockchain-based solutions.
The General officer has held instructional appointments, including tenures at Infantry School and Army War College, Mhow. His overseas assignments include Somalia, as part of HQ UNOSOM II, and Seychelles as Military Advisor to the Government of Seychelles.
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi’s academic credentials include attending the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, completing the Higher Command Course at AWC, Mhow, and being conferred ‘Distinguished Fellow’ at the USAWC, Carlisle, USA. He holds an M.Phil in Defence & Management Studies, along with two Master’s Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science.
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi’s assumption of the role of Vice Chief of the Army Staff brings a seasoned and accomplished leader to a position of crucial responsibility, contributing to the continued strength and effectiveness of the Indian Army.