Outgoing Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi expressed deep gratitude as he concluded his tenure, calling his service the greatest privilege of his life. General Dwivedi, whose military career spanned over four decades, was honored with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns in New Delhi. He visited the National War Memorial to pay homage to fallen soldiers before General Dhiraj Seth took over as the 31st Chief of Army Staff.
General Dwivedi, in his farewell address, acknowledged the collective strength of the Indian Army, emphasizing the pivotal role of soldiers in various operations. He highlighted the Army’s achievements in counter-terrorism, UN deployments, and disaster relief efforts, praising their dedication and performance. The outgoing Army Chief also commended the Army’s proactive approach in maintaining preparedness and vigilance along the borders under operations like ‘Operation Snow Leopard’ and ‘Operation Sindoor’.
Reflecting on the Army’s commitment to national security, General Dwivedi emphasized clear objectives, discipline, and responsibility in defining the “new normal”. He stressed the importance of synergy among the Tri-Services, advocating for joint, integrated, and theatre-oriented operations in future warfare. The outgoing Chief lauded the ongoing transformation initiatives within the Indian Army, focusing on modernization, technology absorption, and human resource management under the Decade of Transformation program.
General Dwivedi reiterated the Army’s enduring priorities of soldier welfare, veteran engagement, and family support, recognizing their collective strength. He expressed gratitude to the media for their responsible reporting on national security matters and handed over the responsibility to General Dhiraj Seth with confidence in the Army’s future. As he bid farewell, General Dwivedi extended his best wishes to all, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support and cooperation received during his tenure.
