The government has announced that Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi will assume the charge of the Chief of the Army Staff, post the retirement of General Manoj C Pande, the current Chief of Army Staff, on June 30, 2024. At present, Dwivedi holds the position of the Vice Chief of the Army Staff.
About Lt General Upendra Dwivedi
- Born in 1964, Upendra Dwivedi joined the Indian Army in 1984. In his long career of over 4 decades, he has served the Indian army in various capacities.
- He is an alumnus of the Sainik School Rewa, National Defence College, and US Army War College, where he honed his leadership skills and how to lead an army. He also pursued courses at the DSSC Wellington and Army War College, Mhow. He also earned an M Phill in Defence & Management Studies.
- The government had conferred him with the prestigious Param Vishisht Seva Medal and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal.
- He has vast experience along the China and Pakistan frontiers.
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS)
- It is a statutory office held by the senior most Indian Army officer.
- The primary responsibilities of the COAS include managing the complete functioning of the army during peace and wartime, overseeing the preparation and maintenance of the army’s operational efficiency, and safeguarding national integrity and sovereignty.
- COAS is a permanent member of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) and the National Security Council (NSC).
- COAS advises the government on matters related to the army.
