Lt General Upendra Dwivedi-New Vice Chief of the Indian Army

Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi has assumed charge as the new Vice Chief of the Indian Army on 19th February 2024. He took over from Lt General M.V. Suchindra Kumar and brings with him over 39 years of experience across key operational and staff roles.

Background and Education

• An alumnus of Sainik School Rewa, Lt Gen Dwivedi was commissioned into the 18 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles in 1984
• He has attended prestigious training courses such as the Defence Services Staff College Wellington, Higher Command Course at Army War College and the NDC equivalent course at US Army War College, USA
• Holds two Master’s degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science including one from USAWC
• Also has a M Phil in Defence and Management Studies
• Had overseas tenures as part of UNOSOM II at Somalia and as Military Advisor to the Government of Seychelles

Career Highlights and Achievements

Command Roles

Upendra Dwivedi Commanded his unit in Kashmir Valley and Rajasthan. He Commanded the Rising Star Corps and the prestigious Northern Army in operationally intense environments

Staff Appointments

-  Tenanted important staff appointments in various Army HQs

-  As Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information System & Coordination), gave impetus to automation and new technologies

-  As Director General Infantry, fast-tracked weapons procurement leading to capability enhancement

Operational Leadership

-  Oversaw Counter Terrorism operations in J&K as GOC-in-C Northern Command

-  Provided strategic guidance for operations along the northern and western borders

-  Involved in border negotiations with China

-  Synergized with people of J&K and Ladakh for nation-building initiatives and infrastructure development

-  Steered induction of indigenous defence equipment as part of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’

Technology Focus

-  As a technology enthusiast, worked on enhancing automation, information systems and absorption of new technologies

-  Gave impetus to critical and emerging technologies like AI, Big Data and blockchain-based solutions

Roles and Responsibilities as Vice Chief

As the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lt Gen Dwivedi will serve as the second-highest ranking officer in the Indian Army after the Chief of Army Staff. His key roles and responsibilities will include:

Advisory Role

-  Principal adviser to the Defence Minister on matters pertaining to the Indian Army

-  Assist the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in day-to-day functioning and administration of the Indian Army

-  Co-ordinate policies and priorities between the Army HQ and the Ministry of Defence

Operations & Intelligence

-  Monitor operational preparedness of field formations

-  Oversee intelligence functions and operational logistics

-  Guide planning of joint operations with Navy, Air Force and other agencies

Force Management

-  Spearhead Army’s modernization and capability development

-  Oversee recruitment, training and human resource policies

-  Drive innovation and integration of new technologies

Outreach

-  Liaison with other services and agencies

-  Interact with think-tanks and the strategic community

-  Engage with the media to communicate the Army’s perspective

Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi’s rich experience in operations, technology and indigenous capability building will stand him in good stead as the new Vice Chief. His vision and leadership will guide the Army in its modernization efforts while enhancing its operational preparedness along contested borders. The defence establishment looks forward to a productive tenure for the new Vice Chief.