In a significant transition of leadership, General Upendra Dwivedi was honored with a Guard of Honour at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday morning, marking the beginning of his tenure as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). Gen Dwivedi took over the reins on Sunday, succeeding Gen. Manoj C. Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM.
The ceremony was not just a display of military tradition but also showcased personal moments as Gen Dwivedi was seen paying respects by touching the feet of his brother and other relatives, a gesture reflecting his deep-rooted values.
Before the official proceedings, Gen Dwivedi met with various religious leaders, underscoring the inclusive spirit and the broad base of support for the Indian Army.
Addressing the media, Gen Dwivedi expressed immense pride in leading the Indian Army, which he described as an institution built on the sacrifices and contributions of its jawans. He paid homage to the soldiers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, reiterating the Army’s commitment to honor their legacy.
Underlining the evolving global security dynamics, Gen Dwivedi pointed out the need for the Army to adapt to new-age warfare, emphasizing the importance of modernizing arms and enhancing strategic systems. He stressed the goal of achieving ‘atmanirbharta’ or self-sufficiency, through encouraging indigenous initiatives and incorporating local war systems and equipment.
“It will be my effort that with the synergy between the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with other stakeholders, we will be always prepared for operations under the full spectrum of conflict,” Gen Dwivedi affirmed.
He reassured the nation of the Indian Army’s preparedness and capability to face all challenges. After his interaction with the press, Gen Dwivedi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, paying his respects to the martyred soldiers.
His appointment, announced by the Ministry of Defence on June 11, is historically significant as he is the first officer from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (JAKRIF) to ascend to this position. The JAKRIF has a proud lineage tracing back to the former royal house of the Dogra rulers of Jammu and Kashmir. With a distinguished 40-year career that includes various command, staff, instructional, and foreign postings, Gen Dwivedi takes command of the 1.3 million-strong Army during a period marked by considerable security challenges, especially along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
