NEW DELHI: Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi will be the next chief of the Army staff succeeding incumbent Gen Manoj Pande, the government announced on Tuesday night, ending speculations on the key appointment.

Lt Gen Dwivedi, who has vast operational experience along the frontiers with China and Pakistan, is presently serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff. Gen Pande will retire on June 30.

In appointing Lt Gen Dwivedi, the government followed the seniority principle.