Outgoing Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said that future wars will be increasingly “joint, integrated and theatre-oriented”, emphasising a shift in military strategy towards unified operations across the armed forces. He made the remarks during his farewell ceremony held at South Block in New Delhi, where he was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour upon completing his tenure. General Dwivedi, who retires after more than four decades of military service, said the armed forces are moving towards a clear operational philosophy of “seeing together, taking decisions together and acting together.”
He underlined that modern warfare demands closer coordination between the Army, Navy and Air Force, with integrated planning and execution becoming central to India’s defence preparedness. Addressing the media on the sidelines of the event, the outgoing Army Chief expressed gratitude as he concluded his tenure, saying he felt a “deep sense of satisfaction, pride and gratitude.” He reflected on his long military journey, noting that his career—from his early education at Sainik School to leading the Indian Army—had been both challenging and deeply fulfilling.
General Dwivedi took over as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff in June 2024. During his tenure, he said the Indian Army had maintained consistent operational readiness across all fronts and continued to strengthen its strategic posture. He stressed that the strength of the Army does not rest on any single individual but on the collective commitment of its soldiers, commanders, veterans, families, and the support of the nation. Paying tribute to fallen soldiers, he said their sacrifices remain central to the Army’s ethos and institutional identity.
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He added that the dedication, discipline, and bravery of Indian soldiers form the core strength of the force, describing them as the defining pillars of the organisation. As part of his farewell engagements, General Dwivedi also visited the National War Memorial earlier in the day, where he laid a wreath in honour of India’s fallen soldiers. He said the memorial visit was a moment of reflection and remembrance for the sacrifices made in service of the nation. The outgoing Army Chief also highlighted operational developments during his tenure, stating that the Army’s readiness along the northern border under Operation Snow Leopard remained firm and vigilant.
He further noted that the western front continued to be managed with full seriousness and preparedness, citing ongoing operational commitments, including Operation Sindoor, as examples of sustained military vigilance. His remarks come at a time when India’s defence establishment is increasingly focused on integrated theatre commands and joint operational structures aimed at improving coordination and effectiveness in future conflict scenarios.
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