Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi will succeed Gen Manoj Pande as the next Chief of the Army Staff, the government announced, ending speculations about the key appointment. Currently serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Dwivedi will assume the new role on June 30, following Gen Pande's retirement.

The government adhered to the seniority principle in appointing Lt Gen Dwivedi, who has extensive operational experience along the China and Pakistan frontiers. Despite extending Gen Pande's tenure by a month, speculations about Lt Gen Dwivedi being overlooked were unfounded.

Lt Gen Dwivedi, born on July 1, 1964, is an alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa. Commissioned into the 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles on December 15, 1984, he later commanded the unit. His distinguished nearly 40-year career includes commanding the Northern Command from 2022-2024, where he provided strategic guidance and oversaw counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

He has been decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards. An alumnus of the National Defence College and US Army War College, he holds an MPhil in defence and management studies and two Masters' Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science.

Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi will succeed Gen Manoj Pande as the next Chief of the Army Staff, the government announced, ending speculations about the key appointment. Currently serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Dwivedi will assume the new role on June 30, following Gen Pande's retirement.

The government adhered to the seniority principle in appointing Lt Gen Dwivedi, who has extensive operational experience along the China and Pakistan frontiers. Despite extending Gen Pande's tenure by a month, speculations about Lt Gen Dwivedi being overlooked were unfounded.

Lt Gen Dwivedi, born on July 1, 1964, is an alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa. Commissioned into the 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles on December 15, 1984, he later commanded the unit. His distinguished nearly 40-year career includes commanding the Northern Command from 2022-2024, where he provided strategic guidance and oversaw counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

He has been decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards. An alumnus of the National Defence College and US Army War College, he holds an MPhil in defence and management studies and two Masters' Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science.