Two classmates take command of Indian army and navy

NEW DELHI: In an unprecedented event in India’s military history, two classmates have taken command of the Indian army and navy.

Gen Upendra Dwivedi assumed charge as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff on Sunday.

Gen Upendra Dwivedi, the new Chief of Army Staff, and Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, the Chief of Naval Staff, both studied at the Sainik School in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, and have known each other since the fifth grade.

At the Sainik School, Lt-Gen Dwivedi’s roll number was 931, while Admiral Tripathi’s was 938. Their friendship, formed during their early school days, has remained strong despite their separate military careers.

A defence official familiar with both officers remarked that such strong camaraderie among military leaders enhances the working relationship between the forces.

The Ministry of Defence spokesperson, A Bharat Bhushan Babu, posted on X that it is an honour for Madhya Pradesh’s Sainik School Rewa to have two of its outstanding students lead the nation’s armed services.

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The two classmates were appointed to their respective positions just two months apart. Admiral Dinesh Tripathi assumed command of the Indian Navy on May 1, while Lt-Gen Dwivedi took over as Chief of Army Staff on Sunday (today).

Gen Dwivedi, born on July 1, 1964, has had a distinguished career, including a long tenure as the Northern Army Commander, where he provided strategic guidance and operational oversight. He was commissioned into the Indian Army’s Jammu and Kashmir Rifles on December 15, 1984.

Gen Dwivedi succeeds Gen Manoj Pande who superannuated after more than four decades of service.

Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, a specialist in communication and electronic warfare, took charge as the 26th Chief of Naval Staff on April 30, 2024, succeeding the retiring Admiral R Hari Kumar.

Admiral Tripathi was previously serving as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. Born on May 15, 1964, he joined the executive branch of the Indian Navy on July 1, 1985.

Admiral Tripathi has served with distinction for almost 39 years, bringing extensive expertise in communication and electronic warfare to his new role.