Outgoing Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on 17 June 2026 ahead of his retirement later this month.
General Dwivedi was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Sunita Dwivedi, during the courtesy call on the President of India, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
The President’s Office shared details of the meeting through an official post, stating that General Upendra Dwivedi and Mrs Sunita Dwivedi had called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The meeting comes as General Dwivedi prepares to conclude his tenure as the Chief of the Army Staff on 30 June 2026 after a distinguished military career spanning four decades.
Earlier, on 13 June 2026, the Government announced the appointment of Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff. He is scheduled to assume command of the Indian Army on 30 June following General Dwivedi’s retirement.
During his tenure as Army Chief, General Dwivedi oversaw several key operational, modernisation and capability enhancement initiatives aimed at strengthening the Indian Army’s combat readiness and preparedness for future challenges.
The courtesy call reflects a long-standing military tradition wherein outgoing service chiefs meet the President before relinquishing command, marking the conclusion of their service at the highest level of military leadership.
General Dwivedi’s tenure has been characterised by a strong emphasis on operational preparedness, technology infusion, jointness among the armed forces and the welfare of soldiers and veterans, while guiding the Army through a dynamic and evolving security environment.
With the impending change of command, the Indian Army is set to enter a new chapter under the leadership of Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, ensuring continuity in its mission of safeguarding the nation’s security and interests.
