Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi. (Photo: Indian Army)
New Delhi: Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi took charge as the new vice-chief of Army staff (VCOAS) on Monday, succeeding Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar.
Lt Gen Dwivedi is an alumnus of Sainik School Rewa, National Defence Academy, and Indian Military Academy. He was commissioned into the 18th Battalion of Jammu & Kashmir Rifles in December 1984. He has held various command, staff, and instructional appointments in his career spanning over 36 years.
He has extensive operational experience, having commanded units in both the Kashmir valley and Rajasthan. He has also served as the inspector general of Assam Rifles in Manipur, the director general of Infantry at Army Headquarters, and the general officer commanding of IX Corps (also known as Rising Star Corps) in Himachal Pradesh.
Prior to his appointment as the VCOAS, he was the general officer commanding-in-chief of Northern Army Command, where he oversaw the security and operational preparedness of the Army along the borders with Pakistan and China.
Lt Gen Dwivedi is a recipient of several service awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
After assuming the office of the VCOAS, Lt Gen Dwivedi paid homage to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial and reviewed the Guard of Honour. He also interacted with senior officers of the Army and assured them of his full support and guidance.
As the VCOAS, Lt Gen Dwivedi will be responsible for overseeing the administration, modernization, and training of the Army. He will also assist the chief of Army staff, General Manoj Pande, in formulating and implementing the strategic and operational policies of the Army.
Lt Gen Dwivedi is widely regarded as a professional and dynamic officer, with a vision for the future of the Army. He is also seen as a potential contender for the post of the Chief of Army Staff, when Gen Pande retires.
