Over the course of his distinguished 39-year career, he has held command assignments around the nation in difficult operating environments.

Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar was succeeded as Vice Chief of the Army Staff on February 19 by Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, who has extensive operational experience near the borders with China and Pakistan.

Leading candidate Lt Gen Dwivedi would take over as Army Chief of Staff after current General Manoj Pande retires on May 31.