Read More: From Classmates to Commanders: Sainik School graduates Dwivedi and Tripathi now command India’s Armed Forces
Being a tech enthusiast, he worked towards enhancing the tech threshold of all ranks in Northern Command and pushed for critical & emerging technologies like big data analytics, AI, Quantum and blockchain-based solutions.
Upendra Dwivedi’s early life:
From his school days, he was an outstanding sportsman and excelled in both NDA and IMA, where he was awarded the Blue in Physical Training. He continued to excel post commissioning and was awarded the gold medal in the Physical Training Course. General officer has a unique distinction of balanced exposure along Northern, Western and Eastern Theatres, in varied terrain and operational environment including Deserts, High Altitude, Riverine, Built Up area, North East and Jammu and Kashmir.
New chief’s defence career:
He commanded his battalion in active counter-terrorism operations in the Kashmir Valley and in the Rajasthan Desert. He has been Inspector General Assam Rifles as Major General and Sector commander as Brigadieri. Assam Rifles participated in intense counterterrorism operations and held various other staff command appointments in the North East, where he pioneered the first ever compendium on Indo-Myanmar border management.
Subsequently, he commanded the Rising Star Corps along the Western Front and the prestigious Northern Army from 2022-2024 in an extremely challenging operational environment.
Modernising Indian Army:
He was also involved in modernising and equipping of the largest Command of the Indian Army, where he steered the induction of Indigenous equipment as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He synergized with the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh for convergent nation-building outcomes and infrastructure development.
He has varied staff exposures, which include handling conventional operations of the Armed Brigade in the Punjab Plains, providing logistical support to a Mountain Division in the North East along the Northern Borders and operating a Strike Corps in deserts. At IHQ HQ (Army), he contributed significantly to the Military Secretary’s branch and was instrumental in raising a section in the Military Operations Directorate.
Later, as the DG Infantry, he steered and fast-tracked capital procurement cases of weapons for all three services, leading to significant and visible capability enhancement for our Armed Forces. As Deputy Chief, he gave impetus to automation and the absorption of niche technology in the Indian Army.
The officer’s two overseas tenures include Somalia, as part of HQ UNOSOM II and Seychelles, as Military Advisor to the Government of Seychelles. Besides, attending the Staff College, Wellington & Higher Command Course at AWC, Mhow, the officer was conferred ‘Distinguished Fellow’ in the coveted NDC equivalent course at USAWC, Carlisle, USA.
Outgoing chief receives Gaurd of Honour:
In a ceremonial farewell, General Manoj Pande, the outgoing Chief of the Indian Army, was accorded a Guard of Honour on his final day in office.
Gen Pande, who served a distinguished 26-month tenure, also paid homage at the National War Memorial in Delhi.
Originally slated to retire on May 30, Gen Pande’s service was extended by the government for an additional month, allowing him to serve until June 30.
(with agency inputs)
