General Upendra Dwivedi, who concluded his tenure as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army on Tuesday, noted that future warfare will be increasingly joint, integrated, and theatre-oriented; therefore, the tri-services’ direction is clear: ”to look together, decide together, and act together.”
General Upendra Dwivedi, superannuated today after more than four decades of distinguished service and relinquished the appointment of the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).
General Dhiraj Seth took over as India’s 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, who retired from service on Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, General Upendra Dwivedi was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns in New Delhi, an occasion that symbolised the conclusion of his tenure.
Following the Guard of Honour, General Dwivedi visited the National War Memorial, where he laid a wreath in homage to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice while serving the nation.
Addressing mediapersons after the ceremony, General Dwivedi said, “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.”
“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,” he further added.
General Dwivedi noted that the Indian Army had maintained a high level of preparedness and vigilance across all fronts over the past two years, highlighting the successful execution of Operation Snow Leopard and Operation Sindoor.
He also stressed that stronger synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force has helped shape the country’s “new normal” in national security.
“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.
“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,” General Dwivedi added.
He expressed confidence in his successor, General Dhiraj Seth, as he handed over the responsibility of leading the Indian Army.
Dwivedi said the seasoned soldier and capable leader would take the force to greater heights while upholding its traditions, professionalism, and operational readiness.
For his illustrious service, General Dwivedi has been conferred with the prestigious awards of Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and his tenure will be remembered for maintaining a high state of operational preparedness, strengthening jointness among the Services, accelerating the process of transformation and giving focused impetus to technology absorption, force restructuring and soldier-centric initiatives.