New Delhi: The Indian Army is ready and capable of meeting all current and future security challenges facing India, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said on Monday, amid the lingering border dispute with China in the east. from Ladakh.
A day after assuming command of the 1.3 million-strong force, General Dwivedi said one of his priorities would be to work to ensure synergy between the Army, Air Force and Navy.
Speaking to the media after inspecting an honor guard at the South Block in the Raisina Hills, he said the Army is facing "unique operational challenges" and to remain prepared for such threats, it is crucial to continue equipping to the soldiers with the latest weapons.
"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 said.
The newly appointed Army Chief also said that he will encourage induction of locally 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 distinctive threats and requirements, it is crucial that we continually equip our soldiers with state-of-the-art weapons and technology and continue to evolve our warfighting strategies." he added.
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 war systems and equipment manufactured in our country," he said.
General Dwivedi 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 India's interests are secured and we become an important pillar of nation-building to achieve the vision of 'Viksit Bharat-2047'," General Dwivedi 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 personnel of the force 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 veterans, 'veer naris' and their families is a sacred commitment and I assure this family of my full support," he said.
General Dwivedi was serving as vice chief of the army since February 19.
Prior to becoming Vice Chief, he served as General Officer Commanding in Chief of Northern Command from 2022 to 2024.
An alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa (MP), General Dwivedi was commissioned in 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 west in a varied operating environment.
A day after assuming command of the 1.3 million-strong force, General Dwivedi said one of his priorities would be to work to ensure synergy between the Army, Air Force and Navy.
Speaking to the media after inspecting an honor guard at the South Block in the Raisina Hills, he said the Army is facing "unique operational challenges" and to remain prepared for such threats, it is crucial to continue equipping to the soldiers with the latest weapons.
"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 said.
The newly appointed Army Chief also said that he will encourage induction of locally 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 distinctive threats and requirements, it is crucial that we continually equip our soldiers with state-of-the-art weapons and technology and continue to evolve our warfighting strategies." he added.
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 war systems and equipment manufactured in our country," he said.
General Dwivedi 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 India's interests are secured and we become an important pillar of nation-building to achieve the vision of 'Viksit Bharat-2047'," General Dwivedi 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 personnel of the force 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 veterans, 'veer naris' and their families is a sacred commitment and I assure this family of my full support," he said.
General Dwivedi was serving as vice chief of the army since February 19.
Prior to becoming Vice Chief, he served as General Officer Commanding in Chief of Northern Command from 2022 to 2024.
An alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa (MP), General Dwivedi was commissioned in 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 west in a varied operating environment.
