General Upendra Dwivedi, a distinguished military leader with 40 years of service, took over as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) from General Manoj Pande. An alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa (MP), General Dwivedi was commissioned into the Regiment of Jammu & Kashmir Rifles in 1984.
Throughout his illustrious career, General Dwivedi has demonstrated exceptional leadership and command experience, with a unique balance of staff and command exposure across Northern, Eastern, and Western theatres, in diverse operational environments. His extensive experience and decorated service make him an accomplished and respected leader in the Armed Forces.
General Dwivedi’s appointment as COAS marks a significant milestone in his career, and he is poised to lead the Indian Army with distinction, building on his predecessor’s legacy. His leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of the Indian Army, and his expertise will be instrumental in addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities in the defence landscape.
General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), retired on Sunday after an illustrious career spanning over four decades. His tenure was marked by a high state of combat readiness, significant transformation initiatives, and a strong push for self-reliance under the Atmanirbharta program.
As COAS, General Pande prioritized operational preparedness along the Northern and Western borders, frequently visiting forward areas to assess preparedness and morale. He spearheaded the Indian Army’s transformation, focusing on technological absorption, indigenous weapons adoption, and human resource development. His efforts led to quantifiable progress, setting the stage for a modern, agile, and future-ready force.
General Pande encouraged bilateral and multilateral exercises, seminars, and discussions, including the Chanakya Defence Dialogue and the Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC). He also enhanced the scale and scope of annual exercises with partner nations, fostering military diplomacy.
General Manoj Pande’s legacy will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the Indian Army’s transformation and his dedication to the nation’s security. His four-decade journey serves as an inspiration to generations of soldiers and civilians alike.