Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi assumed the prestigious role of Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) in a ceremony held on Monday. Following his appointment, the General paid his respects at the National War Memorial, a testament to his commitment and dedication to the nation.
Lieutenant General Dwivedi, a distinguished alumnus of Sainik School Rewa, boasts a remarkable career spanning 39 years.
Commissioned into the 18 JAK RIF in 1984, he has commanded troops in both the Northern and Western theatres, including the challenging Kashmir Valley and Rajasthan deserts.
This unique exposure has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of India's diverse strategic landscape.
Throughout his illustrious career, Lieutenant General Dwivedi has held critical positions, including Inspector General Assam Rifles (North), Sector Commander Assam Rifles, and various staff and leadership roles in the Northeast.
He has been instrumental in high-profile counter-terrorism operations and has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities.
From 2022 to 2024, he commanded the Rising Star Corps and later the prestigious Northern Army, facing complex operational challenges on the borders with China and Pakistan. His strategic leadership and operational oversight during this period were crucial for planning and executing long-term operations.
Recognizing the importance of modernization, Lieutenant General Dwivedi actively pursued the induction of indigenous equipment and technology as part of the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
He also emphasised building strong ties with the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, contributing to nation-building and infrastructure development.
Beyond operational commands, Lieutenant General Dwivedi's contributions have included staff assignments in various formations and prestigious instructional roles at the Indian Military Academy and the Army War College.
He has also played a key role in expediting capital procurement and advocating for the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence.
In recognition of his exceptional service, Lieutenant General Dwivedi has been awarded numerous military decorations and holds an MPhil in Defence & Management Studies, two Master's degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science, and the distinction of a 'Distinguished Fellow' at the National Defence College.
As he assumes the role of VCOAS, Lieutenant General Dwivedi brings a wealth of experience, strategic vision, and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism.
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