Classmates Lt General Upendra Dwivedi and Admiral Dinesh Tripathi Become Chiefs of Indian Army and Navy

For the first time in Indian military history, two classmates from Sainik School Rewa, Lt General Upendra Dwivedi and Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, will lead the Indian Army and Navy. Their strong bond from school days continues as they take on these significant roles.

Admiral Tripathi assumed command of the Navy on May 1, and Lt Gen Dwivedi will take over the Army tomorrow. This unique event highlights the importance of friendships in military leadership.

Background

Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi and Admiral Dinesh Tripathi were classmates in class 5th-A in the early 1970s at Sainik School Rewa in Madhya Pradesh. Their roll numbers were close, with Lt Gen Dwivedi’s being 931 and Admiral Tripathi’s 938. Despite being in different forces, they maintained their friendship over the years.

Significance

A defence official noted that strong friendships among senior military leaders are crucial for strengthening working relationships between the forces. The Defence Ministry Spokesperson, A Bharat Bhushan Babu, highlighted the rare honour for Sainik School Rewa in nurturing two students who would lead their respective services 50 years later.

Career Highlights

Lt Gen Dwivedi has had a long tenure as the Northern Army Commander, with significant exposure to operations in the military standoff on the LAC in eastern Ladakh. Born on July 1, 1964, he was commissioned into the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles of the Indian Army on December 15, 1984.