The Centre has appointed Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi as the next Army Chief, set to take over from General Manoj Pande on June 30, 2024. This decision follows an unusual one-month extension of Gen Pande's tenure, who was initially scheduled to retire on May 31.

Lt Gen Dwivedi, the former Northern Army Commander, is the most senior officer in the Army. Traditionally, the senior-most Army commander or the Vice Chief is appointed as the Army Chief when the current Chief retires. The retirement age for the Army Chief is either upon completing three years in the position or reaching 62 years of age, whichever comes first.

The government's last-minute extension of Gen Pande's tenure had sparked speculations that it aimed to leave the final decision on the new Army Chief to the next administration.

Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, born on July 1, 1964, was commissioned into the Infantry (Jammu & Kashmir Rifles) on December 15, 1984. Over nearly four decades, he has held numerous key positions, including commanding roles in the 18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles, 26 Sector Assam Rifles, as Inspector General of Assam Rifles (East), and 9 Corps.

His other notable roles include Director General Infantry and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command from 2022 to 2024, before becoming the Vice Chief of Army Staff.

An alumnus of Sainik School Rewa, National Defence College, and the US Army War College, Lt Gen Dwivedi holds an MPhil in Defence and Management Studies and Master’s Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science. He was also recognized as a ‘Distinguished Fellow’ at the USAWC, Carlisle, USA.

This appointment underscores Lt Gen Dwivedi's extensive experience and distinguished service, positioning him to lead the Indian Army into its next chapter.