General Upendra Dwivedi took over as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) from General Manoj Pande on Sunday. A member of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, he served as the Vice Chief of Army Staff from February this year.
The Indian Army highlighted General Dwivedi's extensive strategic acumen and operational experience in challenging scenarios and diverse terrains on its official X handle. They stated, "#GeneralUpendraDwivedi, PVSM, AVSM takes over as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff #COAS of the #IndianArmy from General Manoj Pande. He assumes the appointment with a wealth of strategic acumen & operational experience in challenging scenarios and diverse terrain."
Before assuming the role of the 30th Indian Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi held numerous command and staff positions, including General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command from 2022 to 2024. His operational expertise is notable, having provided strategic guidance for operations along the northern and western borders, as well as counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Hailing from Madhya Pradesh, General Dwivedi completed his schooling at Sainik School in Rewa. He joined the National Defense Academy (NDA) in January 1981 and was commissioned into the 18th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in 1984. Over his 39-year military career, General Dwivedi commanded his unit in the Kashmir valley and the Rajasthan sector. He also served as Sector Commander and Inspector General (IG) of Assam Rifles in the North East sector.
Additionally, General Dwivedi served as Deputy Chief at Army Headquarters and led the 9th Corps in Himachal Pradesh.
The outgoing Army Chief, General Manoj Pande, was the first officer from the Corps of Engineers to become the COAS. After completing his studies at the NDA, he was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers in December 1982.
