General Upendra Dwivedi, the newly appointed 30th Chief of the Army Staff, congratulated the Indian Army for the ambitious trajectory it had undertaken towards self-reliance and readiness to face existing and future security challenges. While taking over from General Pande, who superannuated after more than four decades of service, Gen Dwivedi assured that the operational strategies of the army would be carried forward in a phased manner, he added that no let-up in the welfare of personnel, war-widows, and veterans would be allowed.
Addressing the media after the Guard of Honour at South Block, General Dwivedi said it was an absolute honour and a deep sense of responsibility to head the Indian Army. "I am deeply honoured to lead the Indian Army, built on the valour and sacrifices of our soldiers," he said. Tributes were paid to those martyred in service.
He took cognizance of the changing geopolitical environment and strides in technology and added that the Army was adapting to the singular nature of its operational challenge. He iterated that soldiers had necessarily to be equipped with state-of-the-art indigenous technology and weaponry for self-reliance. "The Indian Army is undergoing transformation towards self-sufficiency. We will promote domestic initiatives and maximize indigenous defense equipment," he asserted.
He said that ensuring readiness across the entire spectrum of conflict scenarios and synergistic functioning with the Indian Navy and Air Force as also with the stakeholders, constituted the base of his vision. He added that he remained committed to safekeeping national interests along with contributing towards the developmental goals enshrined for Viksit Bharat 2047.
"It will be my priority to ensure that the interests and welfare of all ranks and civilians of the Indian Army are looked after.". My duties towards our veterans, Veer Naris, and their families are my commitment to a sacred cause, and I assure this extended family of my full support, he said. Fully conscious of the responsibility entrusted upon him, he assured the country and fellow citizens that the Indian Army stands fully capable and ready to meet all existing and future challenges. With a storied military career spanning four decades, he pledged the Army's preparedness for any future challenges.
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