New Indian Army chief Upendra Dwivedi said the Indian Army faces unique operational challenges and the force is fully capable of facing any. General Dwivedi added that the Army aspires to become Aatmanirbhar.
General Dwivedi assumed charge as the new Army chief on Sunday and inspected guard of honour at South Block on Monday. Addressing presspersons, Dwivedi said, “This is a moment of immense pride and honour for me to be assigned the responsibility to lead the Indian Army. Indian Army faces unique operational challenges and to remain prepared for such threats and destructive requirements it is crucial that we continuously equip our soldiers with state-of-the-art weapons and technology and also continue to evolve our war-fighting strategies.” He assured that the Indian Army is fully capable and ready to face all current and future challenges.
The Army chief added the force aspires to become Aatmanirbhar and they encourage indigenous initiatives. “The Indian Army is on the path to transformation and we aspire to be Aatmanirbhar. To achieve this, we will encourage Indigenous initiatives and induct maximum war systems and equipment that are manufactured in our country,” he said.
General Dwivedi said working towards ensuring synergy among the Army, Air Force and the Navy would be one of his priorities. Dwivedi added he would focus on ensuring that the Army is ready to operate in the "full spectrum of conflict". "It will be my endeavour to ensure that the Indian Army is always ready to operate in the full spectrum of conflict, maintaining complete synergy with the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and other stakeholders," he said.
The Army Chief said he was fully committed to protect interests of all the personnel in the force and to extend full support to ex-servicemen and their families. "It will be my priority to ensure that the interests and welfare of all ranks and defence civilians of the Indian Army are looked after. My responsibility towards veterans, 'veer naris' and their families is a sacred commitment and I assure this extended family, my full support," he said.
General Dwivedi was serving as the Vice-Chief of the Army since February 19. Before becoming the Vice-Chief, he was serving as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Northern Command from 2022-2024.
An alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa (MP), Gen Dwivedi was commissioned into regiment of Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in 1984. He has a unique distinction of balanced command as well as staff exposure across Northern, Eastern and Western theatres in varied operational environment.
-with inputs from agencies.
