Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi assumed the role of Vice Chief of the Army Staff on February 19, 2024. Upon taking up the position, he paid tribute at the National War Memorial and received a Guard of Honour at the South Block Lawns.
Before becoming Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi served as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, facing challenging operational conditions from 2022 to 2024. A graduate of Sainik School, Rewa (MP), he joined the 18 JAMMU & KASHMIR RIFLES in 1984, eventually commanding the same unit. With a unique background in both Northern and Western Theatres, he held command roles in Kashmir Valley, Rajasthan, and served as Sector Commander and Inspector General Assam Rifles in the North East.
During his 39-year career, Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi commanded the Rising Star Corps along the Western Borders, followed by leading the prestigious Northern Army from 2022 to 2024. His leadership involved strategic guidance for sustained operations along the northern and western borders, counter-terrorism efforts in J&K, and active engagement in negotiations with China. He played a crucial role in modernizing the largest Army Command, advocating for indigenous equipment as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
In addition to command roles, he held key staff appointments at Headquarters Armoured Brigade, Mountain Division, Strike Corps, and Integrated HQ (Army). As Director General Infantry, he accelerated capital procurement for the three services, enhancing capability for the Armed Forces. Serving as Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information System & Coordination), he championed automation and adoption of niche technologies, pushing for advancements like Big Data Analytics, AI, Quantum, and Blockchain solutions.
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, with instructional appointments at Infantry School and Army War College, Mhow, also served overseas in Somalia and Seychelles. His educational achievements include attending the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Higher Command Course at AWC, Mhow, and being conferred ‘Distinguished Fellow’ at USAWC, Carlisle, USA. He holds an M Phil in Defence & Management Studies and two Master’s Degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science, with authored articles in professional forums.
Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi took over as Vice Chief of the Army Staff from Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, who now serves as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command.
