Reviewing the NDA’s landmark 150th course parade, General Upendra Dwivedi stressed technology-led military preparedness and praised the growing participation of women cadets.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi addresses reporters after reviewing the National Defence Academy's 150th Passing Out Parade in Pune on Saturday. | ANI
As 353 cadets, including 18 women, graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA) on Saturday, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi used the occasion to underline how the nature of warfare is rapidly evolving, warning that future conflicts will extend far beyond traditional battlefields.
The remarks come at a time when India’s armed forces are placing greater emphasis on technology, joint operations and domain integration. Addressing reporters after reviewing the Passing Out Parade of the NDA’s 150th Course in Pune, General Dwivedi said recent military operations had reinforced the importance of preparing for threats that span land, sea, air, cyber and space.
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“Future conflicts will not be limited to conventional battlefields alone. They will be fought across land, air, sea, space, cyber, electromagnetic and cognitive domains,” the Army Chief said.
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Drawing attention to Operation Sindoor, General Dwivedi described it as an example of India’s ability to respond with precision and purpose.
“Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s resolve and the armed forces’ ability to deliver a calibrated, precise and purposeful response. This operation underlined the importance of integrated planning, real-time intelligence, precision targeting, strong air defence, secure communications and synergy across domains,” he said.
The Army Chief said the force was actively restructuring itself to meet emerging security challenges under its “Decade of Transformation” initiative.
According to him, the role of young officers and soldiers will remain central to this effort. He pointed to the raising of technology-enabled formations such as the 1st Regiment Battalions, Divyastha Batteries, Shaktimaan Regiments and Bharat Battalions as examples of the ongoing transformation.
“The Indian Army is fully conscious of these changes. We are transforming ourselves into a future-ready force,” he said.
#WATCH | Pune, Maharashtra | Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi says, “As far as the theatrization is concerned, I assure the house that it is on the right track. As of now, all the discussions on theatrization have got over within the Chiefs of Staff Committee, the… pic.twitter.com/fV6X2S6ufP
— ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2026
General Dwivedi also highlighted the increasing participation of women in the armed forces. Of the 353 cadets who passed out on Saturday, 18 were women cadets.
Calling it a proud moment for the academy and the country, he said it was an honour for him to review the parade.
“It is a matter of immense pride and deep personal emotion for me to be here today as the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade of the 150th Course of National Defence Academy,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the Army Chief reviewed the Passing Out Parade at the Khetarpal Parade Ground in Khadakwasla, where graduating cadets marched in ceremonial precision before moving on to their respective services in the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The ceremony carried personal significance for General Dwivedi, who is an alumnus of the NDA’s 65th Course.
Having trained as a cadet in Charlie Squadron, he returned to the academy as Reviewing Officer after rising through the ranks to become Chief of the Army Staff.
Officials said his journey from the academy’s parade grounds to the top military post served as a source of inspiration for the graduating cadets.
Among the academic achievers recognised during the convocation, Battalion Cadet Captain Sushant Varma of P Squadron secured the top position in the Social Science stream.
“I was an average kid in academics. After coming to NDA, I have started focusing on the basics,” Varma said.
J Squadron Cadet Ranvijay Tyagi, who topped the Computer Science stream, credited his parents and seniors for helping him achieve the distinction.
“I thank my parents for inculcating this habit of learning in me since school time. I took the help of my seniors and took guidance from them,” Tyagi said.
The NDA’s Full Dress Rehearsal Parade was held on May 28 and reviewed by Commandant Vice Admiral Anil Jaggi.
The celebrations also featured a flypast involving Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft, Chetak helicopters, the Sarang Helicopter Aerobatics Team and the Akashganga Skydiving Team, showcasing the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.
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