Outgoing Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday described serving in the Indian Army for more than four decades as the “greatest privilege” of his life as he formally handed over the responsibility of Chief of the Army Staff to General Dhiraj Seth.
Before the change of command, General Dwivedi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Addressing the farewell ceremony, he thanked soldiers, veterans, their families and the people of India for their continued support throughout his military career.
“As I conclude my tenure as the Chief of the Army Staff, I am filled with a profound sense of humility, gratitude, pride, and satisfaction. The journey from Sainik School to this moment has been unforgettable. Serving in the Indian Army for over four decades has been the greatest privilege of my life,” General Dwivedi said.
He added, “The Indian Army derives its strength not from any single individual, but from the unwavering faith of its soldiers, commanders, veterans, families, and the citizens of the country. I pay homage to every soldier of the Indian Army, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.”
Reviewing his tenure, General Dwivedi said the Army had maintained a high level of preparedness, balance and vigilance across all fronts during the past two years. He highlighted deployments along the northern borders under Operation Snow Leopard and referred to Operation Sindoor on the western front as examples of the force’s operational readiness.
“…Over the past two years, the Indian Army has progressively maintained its preparedness, balance, and vigilance on every front. Our deployment along the northern borders under ‘Operation Snow Leopard’ has been marked by strength and alertness. On the western front, too, the Army has discharged its duties with utmost seriousness and restraint; ‘Operation Sindoor’ stands as a shining example of this,” he said.
General Dwivedi also said cooperation among the Army, Navy and Air Force had strengthened, enabling the armed forces to respond more effectively to national security challenges.
“Regarding all matters of national security, the Indian Army has executed its tasks with clear objectives, discipline, and a sense of responsibility, effectively shaping the definition of the ‘new normal.’ During this period, synergy among the three services has strengthened further; the Army, Navy, and Air Force have worked together with a shared vision, mutual trust, and enhanced coordination. Future warfare will be increasingly joint, integrated, and theatre-oriented. Therefore, our direction is clear: to look together, decide together, and act together,” he said.
Expressing confidence in his successor, General Dwivedi said General Dhiraj Seth was a seasoned soldier and capable leader who would continue to uphold the Army’s traditions and professionalism.
“Today, I am handing over this responsibility to General Dhiraj Seth. He is a seasoned soldier and a capable leader. I have full confidence that under his leadership, the Indian Army will scale even greater heights while upholding its glorious traditions, professionalism, and resolve. As I hand over this charge today, I am fully confident about the future of the Indian Army; it will remain rooted in its traditions, stay vigilant regarding current challenges, and remain constantly prepared for any situation that may arise in the future,” he said.
Leave a Reply