The Indian government has appointed Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi as the next Chief of the Army Staff, effective June 30, following the retirement of Gen Manoj Pande. Dwivedi, who is currently serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, has extensive experience in frontier operations and has been instrumental in military negotiations and modernizations. The government followed the seniority principle in appointing Dwivedi, who has vast operational experience along the frontiers with China and Pakistan.
The senior-most official after Dwivedi is Lt Gen Ajay Kumar Singh, the Southern Army Commander. Both Lt Gen Dwivedi and Singh were slated to retire on June 30. The three service chiefs can serve till the age of 62 or for three years, whichever is earlier.
Dwivedi was appointed as Vice Chief of Army Staff on February 19, and has served in various command, staff, instructional, and foreign appointments. He has been decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and three GOC-in-C Commendation Cards. As Northern Army commander, Dwivedi provided strategic guidance and operational oversight for planning and execution of sustained operations along the northern and western borders, orchestrating counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir. He was also involved in modernization and equipping of the largest Army command of the Indian Army.
