Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi made Indian Army chief

Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi has been appointed as India's new army chief.

According to a government announcement released on Wednesday, currently serving as the vice chief of the Army Staff, Dwivedi will take charge on June 30, the day the current army chief, Gen Manoj C Pande, retires from office.

Born on July 1, 1964, Dwivedi was commissioned into the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, an infantry regiment of the Indian Army, on December 15, 1984.

His command appointments include Command of Regiment (18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles), Brigade (26 Sector Assam Rifles), DIG, Assam Rifles (East), and 9 Corps.

Before being appointed vice chief, Dwivedi served in numerous important posts as a lieutenant general. He was posted as the director general of infantry and general officer commanding in chief of the Northern Command (2022–2024).

An alumnus of Sainik School Rewa, National Defence College, and US Army War College, Dwivedi has also undergone courses at the DSSC Wellington and Army War College, Mhow.

He was conferred 'Distinguished Fellow' in the coveted NDC equivalent course at the US Army War College in Carlisle. Dwivedi has been honoured with the Param Vishisht Seva and Ati Vishisht Seva medals during his 40 years of long and distinguished service to his country, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

The officer holds an M Phil in defence and management studies and two Master's degrees in strategic studies and military science. He has also been presented with three GOC-in-C commendation cards.