Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, the next Army Chief, is renowned for his tech-savvy approach and extensive experience spanning nearly four decades. His career includes a wide range of posts, notably serving as Northern Army Commander, where he oversaw talks with China regarding the ongoing military standoff.
Currently, Lt Gen Dwivedi serves as the Vice Chief of Army Staff and was appointed as the next Army Chief earlier this week. He will assume the role on June 30, following the retirement of the current Army Chief General Manoj Pande. At present, Lt Gen Dwivedi is the senior-most officer in the Army.
The Indian Express quoted his close colleagues who said Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi is expected to continue Gen Pande’s efforts in integrating new technology into the Armed Forces.
Hi-tech equipment in Army
“He will be ensuring induction of maximum hi-tech equipment in the Army which have been brought through the Army Commanders Special Financial Powers,” one officer stated. These colleagues also highlighted Lt Gen Dwivedi’s avid reading habits and his ability to provide in-depth analyses of security issues, thanks to the diverse roles he has held throughout his career.
Role in standoff with China
Among his focus areas, Lt Gen Dwivedi has consistently prioritized the welfare of troops. Before becoming Vice Chief of the Army, he was the Northern Army Commander, where he played a key role in military talks with China during the ongoing standoff and managed counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly addressing a spike in terror attacks in the Jammu region.
Lt Gen Dwivedi was commissioned into the Infantry (Jammu & Kashmir Rifles) of the Army on December 15, 1984. His service includes a variety of Command, Staff, Instructional, and Foreign appointments. His Command appointments include leading the 18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles Regiment, 26 Sector Assam Rifles Brigade, serving as Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East), and commanding the 9 Corps.
An alumnus of Sainik School Rewa, National Defence College, and the US Army War College, Lt Gen Dwivedi was recognized as a ‘Distinguished Fellow’ in the prestigious NDC equivalent course at the USAWC in Carlisle, USA. His extensive education and varied military experiences underscore his preparedness to lead the Indian Army into a technologically advanced future while maintaining a strong focus on the welfare of its personnel.
