Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi to Succeed Gen Manoj Pande as Chief of Army Staff

Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi has been appointed as the next Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding Gen Manoj Pande. Currently serving as Vice Chief, Dwivedi's appointment follows the seniority principle. The announcement was made by the Defence Ministry, confirming the change effective from the afternoon of June 30.

Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi has been named the next Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding the incumbent Gen Manoj Pande, according to a government announcement on Tuesday night.

Known for his leadership, Lt Gen Dwivedi is currently serving as the Vice Chief of the Army Staff and will officially take over from Gen Pande upon his retirement on June 30.

The move highlights the government's adherence to the seniority principle in top military appointments. The Defence Ministry also noted the rare extension of Gen Pande's tenure by one month, which led to speculation about the succession.