New Delhi Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said on Monday that the army is ready and capable of meeting all "current and future" security challenges facing India and that he would focus on continuing to equip the force with the latest weapons and technology.
A day after taking command of the 1.3 million-strong force, General Dwivedi said the Army faces "unique operational challenges" and the geopolitical landscape is changing rapidly with technology evolving at a "very fast pace." fast".
The army chief's comments came amid India's protracted border conflict with China in eastern Ladakh and the challenge of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. "I am fully aware of the responsibility assigned to me and I assure the country and my fellow citizens that the Indian Army is fully capable and prepared to face all current and future challenges," he told reporters after inspecting a guard of honor in the South Block. in the Raisina hills.
The newly appointed Army chief, with extensive operational experience, also said that he will encourage the incorporation of indigenously built military equipment into the force to increase self-reliance in defence.
"The geopolitical landscape is changing rapidly and technology is evolving at a very rapid pace," he said. "The Indian Army faces unique operational challenges and to remain prepared for such threats and distinctive requirements, it is crucial that we continually equip our soldiers with weapons and technology and continue to evolve our war strategies," he added. .
General Dwivedi, who took over as the 30th chief of the Indian Army on Sunday, said he would focus on ensuring the army is prepared to operate across "the entire spectrum of conflict".
"My endeavor will be to ensure that the Indian Army is always ready to operate across the entire spectrum of conflict, maintaining complete synergy with the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and other stakeholders," he said. "This will ensure that the interests of the India are assured and we become an important pillar of nation building to achieve the vision of 'Viksit Bharat-2047'," General Dwivedi said.
The Ministry of Defense is in the process of implementing the long-awaited theatricalization model under which it seeks to integrate the capabilities of the Army, Air Force and Navy and optimally use its resources for wars and operations.
General Dwivedi said the Indian Army is on the "path of transformation" and aims to be 'Atmanirbhar' (self-reliant) in defence. "To achieve this, we will encourage local initiatives and install maximum warfare systems and equipment that we can. are manufactured in our country," he said.
The Army chief said that it is an immense pride for him to lead the force.
"It is a moment of immense pride and honor for me to be given the responsibility of leading the Indian Army," he said. "The glorious traditions of the Indian Army are built on the legacy of valor and sacrifice of our soldiers. On this occasion, "I pay solemn tribute to the brave men who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty," he added.
The Army chief said he was fully committed to protecting the interests of all force personnel and providing full support to ex-servicemen and their families.
"My priority will be to ensure that the interests and well-being of all defense ranks and civilians of the Indian Army are taken care of," he said. "My responsibility towards the veterans, 'veer naris' and their families is a sacred commitment and I assure this family my full support," he said.
The Army chief spoke briefly to a group of religious leaders before the welcome ceremony in the South Block.
General Dwivedi was serving as Vice Chief of the Army since February 19. Before becoming Vice Chief, he served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command from 2022 to 2024.
A student of Sainik School, Rewa (MP), General Dwivedi was commissioned into the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles regiment in 1984.
He has a unique distinction of balanced command as well as personnel exposure in the Northern, Eastern and Western theaters in varied operational environments. In his long and distinguished career spanning nearly 40 years, he has held various command, staff, training and abroad.
General Dwivedi's command appointments include command of Regiment (18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles), Brigade (26 Assam Sector Rifles), Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East) and 9 Corps.
He has been decorated with Param Visisht Seva medal, Ati Visisht Seva medal and three GOC-in-C commendation cards.
A day after taking command of the 1.3 million-strong force, General Dwivedi said the Army faces "unique operational challenges" and the geopolitical landscape is changing rapidly with technology evolving at a "very fast pace." fast".
The army chief's comments came amid India's protracted border conflict with China in eastern Ladakh and the challenge of cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. "I am fully aware of the responsibility assigned to me and I assure the country and my fellow citizens that the Indian Army is fully capable and prepared to face all current and future challenges," he told reporters after inspecting a guard of honor in the South Block. in the Raisina hills.
The newly appointed Army chief, with extensive operational experience, also said that he will encourage the incorporation of indigenously built military equipment into the force to increase self-reliance in defence.
"The geopolitical landscape is changing rapidly and technology is evolving at a very rapid pace," he said. "The Indian Army faces unique operational challenges and to remain prepared for such threats and distinctive requirements, it is crucial that we continually equip our soldiers with weapons and technology and continue to evolve our war strategies," he added. .
General Dwivedi, who took over as the 30th chief of the Indian Army on Sunday, said he would focus on ensuring the army is prepared to operate across "the entire spectrum of conflict".
"My endeavor will be to ensure that the Indian Army is always ready to operate across the entire spectrum of conflict, maintaining complete synergy with the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and other stakeholders," he said. "This will ensure that the interests of the India are assured and we become an important pillar of nation building to achieve the vision of 'Viksit Bharat-2047'," General Dwivedi said.
The Ministry of Defense is in the process of implementing the long-awaited theatricalization model under which it seeks to integrate the capabilities of the Army, Air Force and Navy and optimally use its resources for wars and operations.
General Dwivedi said the Indian Army is on the "path of transformation" and aims to be 'Atmanirbhar' (self-reliant) in defence. "To achieve this, we will encourage local initiatives and install maximum warfare systems and equipment that we can. are manufactured in our country," he said.
The Army chief said that it is an immense pride for him to lead the force.
"It is a moment of immense pride and honor for me to be given the responsibility of leading the Indian Army," he said. "The glorious traditions of the Indian Army are built on the legacy of valor and sacrifice of our soldiers. On this occasion, "I pay solemn tribute to the brave men who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty," he added.
The Army chief said he was fully committed to protecting the interests of all force personnel and providing full support to ex-servicemen and their families.
"My priority will be to ensure that the interests and well-being of all defense ranks and civilians of the Indian Army are taken care of," he said. "My responsibility towards the veterans, 'veer naris' and their families is a sacred commitment and I assure this family my full support," he said.
The Army chief spoke briefly to a group of religious leaders before the welcome ceremony in the South Block.
General Dwivedi was serving as Vice Chief of the Army since February 19. Before becoming Vice Chief, he served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command from 2022 to 2024.
A student of Sainik School, Rewa (MP), General Dwivedi was commissioned into the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles regiment in 1984.
He has a unique distinction of balanced command as well as personnel exposure in the Northern, Eastern and Western theaters in varied operational environments. In his long and distinguished career spanning nearly 40 years, he has held various command, staff, training and abroad.
General Dwivedi's command appointments include command of Regiment (18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles), Brigade (26 Assam Sector Rifles), Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East) and 9 Corps.
He has been decorated with Param Visisht Seva medal, Ati Visisht Seva medal and three GOC-in-C commendation cards.
