On Sunday, the Indian Army welcomed its 30th Chief, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, as General Manoj Pande retired after serving his tenure. Pande handed over the command of the Indian Army to Dwivedi, marking a significant transition in the country’s military leadership. General Upendra Dwivedi, hailing from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles regiment, previously served as the Vice Chief of Army Staff, taking on this new appointment today.
General Dwivedi’s journey began in his early years at Sainik School Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. He later joined the National Defence Academy in 1981, commissioning into the 18th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in 1984. His military career has been marked by distinguished service in various roles, including commanding the battalion in both the Kashmir valley and the deserts of Rajasthan.
Dwivedi’s leadership extended beyond combat roles. He served as Inspector General of Assam Rifles, leading counterterrorism operations and initiating the first-ever compendium on Indo-Myanmar border management. He also held key staff command positions in the North East, demonstrating his commitment to regional security.
Dwivedi’s impact is evident in his contributions to modernizing the Indian Army, particularly in the largest command. He spearheaded the induction of indigenous equipment, aligning with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, a crucial step towards self-reliance in defense technology.
His overseas postings in Somalia and Seychelles highlight his international experience. In Somalia, he served as part of HQ UNOSOM II, and in Seychelles, he acted as Military Advisor to the Government, showcasing his ability to operate on a global stage.
Dwivedi’s vision for the future of the Indian Army is deeply rooted in technological advancement. He advocated for the adoption of critical and emerging technologies like big data analytics, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain-based solutions. This focus on modernization will likely shape the army’s capabilities for years to come.
As Deputy Chief, Dwivedi further emphasized automation and the incorporation of niche technology into the army’s structure. His role as DG Infantry saw him streamline and expedite capital procurement cases for weapons across all three services, leading to a significant enhancement of the Armed Forces’ capabilities.
General Dwivedi’s distinguished career, marked by various accolades, includes attending the Staff College, Wellington, the Higher Command Course at AWC, Mhow, and being conferred ‘Distinguished Fellow’ in the NDC equivalent course at USAWC, Carlisle, USA.
In a historical first, two classmates from Sainik School Rewa, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi and Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, will lead the Indian Army and Navy respectively. This shared history symbolizes the dedication and excellence fostered within the esteemed institution.
