NEW DELHI: Gen. Upendra Dwivedi took charge as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff on Sunday after incumbent Gen. Manoj Pande retired from service.Gen Dwivedi, who has vast operational experience along the frontiers with China and Pakistan, was serving as the Vice Chief of the Army.Before taking charge as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff on February 19, Gen Dwivedi was serving as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command from 2022–2024.Gen Dwivedi took charge of the 1.3 million-strong Army at a time when India is facing various security challenges, including along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China As the Chief of Army Staff, he will also have to coordinate with the Navy and the Indian Air Force on the government’s ambitious plan to roll out theatre commands.An alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa, Gen Dwivedi was commissioned into 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984. He commanded the unit later.In his long and distinguished career spanning nearly 40 years, he has served in a variety of positions, including command, staff, instructional and foreign appointments.The command appointments of Gen Dwivedi include command of regiment (18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles), Brigade (26 Sector Assam Rifles), Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East) and 9 Corps.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, Gen Dwivedi provided strategic guidance and operational oversight for planning and execution of sustained operations along the northern and western borders, besides orchestrating the dynamic counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.During this period, the officer was actively engaged in the ongoing negotiations with China in resolving the vexed border issue, they said.He was also involved in modernisation and equipping of the largest Army command of the Indian Army, where he steered the induction of indigenous equipment as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
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