NEW DELHI: General Upendra Dwivedi, during his last speech as Army chief on Tuesday, said “wars will be more joint, integrated and theatre-oriented in future”, therefore the direction of the armed forces is clear “to see together, take decisions together and take actions together”.Gen Dwivedi, whose distinguished military career spanned more than four decades, said, “As I conclude my tenure as the Chief of the Army Staff, my heart is filled with gratitude, appreciation, pride, and satisfaction. My journey from the Sainik School to this position has been unforgettable. Serving in the Indian Army for more than four decades has been the greatest privilege of my life.” General Dhiraj Seth took over from Gen Dwivedi as the 31st Chief of Army Staff. He is the first officer from the Armoured Corps to lead the Army since General Shankar Roy Chowdhary retired in 1997. The change of command was marked with a ceremony at South Block Lawns in New Delhi, where Gen Dwivedi was given a special send-off.In another change in the Army leadership, Lt Gen Sandeep Jain will assume office as the Vice-Chief of the Army Staff from July 1. The reshuffle also witnessed Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra and Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar take chare of the South Western and Southern Commands, respectively. Gen Dwivedi’s tenure will be remembered for maintaining a high state of operational preparedness, strengthening jointness among the services, accelerating the process of transformation and giving focused impetus to technology absorption, force restructuring and soldier-centric initiatives. He accorded high priority to operational readiness across all theatres. Under his leadership, the Indian Army maintained a robust and vigilant posture along the northern borders under Op Snow Leopard and discharged its responsibilities on the western front with resolve, restraint and professionalism, the defence ministry said. “Operation Sindoor was a defining moment of Gen Dwivedi’s tenure, reflecting the Army’s preparedness, precision and calibrated response in the emerging security environment,” it said.Under his guidance, the Indian Army pursued reforms in force restructuring, modernisation, technology absorption, jointness, systems reform and human resource management. Initiatives such as Rudra Brigades, Bhairav Battalions, Ashni Drone Platoons, Shaktibaan Regiments, Divyastra Batteries, Electronic Warfare Brigades and Integrated Battle Groups progressed as part of his larger effort to build a modern, agile and future-ready force.Gen Dwivedi also laid emphasis on enhanced synergy among the three services. He consistently encouraged greater integration, common operational thinking and improved coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force, in keeping with the requirements of future joint, integrated and theatre-oriented operations. The welfare of serving personnel, veterans, Veer Naris and families remained a key priority during his tenure.Gen Dwivedi, who was conferred with prestigious awards of Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, also guided the formulation of Strategic Security Guidelines 2047, inspired by Viksit Bharat Vision 2047 and Armed Forces Vision 2047, to provide a long-term outlook for the Indian Army’s future preparedness.New Army chief Gen Dhiraj Seth:Over a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades, Gen Dhiraj Seth has had extensive experience across the operational, strategic, capability development and institutional domains, contributing significantly to the Army’s combat effectiveness and long-term transformation, according to the Ministry of Defence.He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Over a distinguished military career spanning nearly four decades, he has had extensive experience across the operational, strategic, capability development and institutional domains, contributing significantly to the Army’s combat effectiveness and long-term transformation.General Dwivedi expressed confidence in Gen Seth as the next Army chief’s skills, saying, “He is a seasoned soldier and a capable leader. I have full confidence that under his leadership, the Indian Army will scale even greater heights while upholding its glorious traditions, professionalism, and resolve. As I hand over this charge today, I am fully confident about the future of the Indian Army; it will remain rooted in its traditions, stay vigilant regarding current challenges, and remain constantly prepared for any situation that may arise in the future.”Reshuffle in the IAF:In the Air Force, Air Marshal Ashutoh Dixit will take over as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff on July 1, succeeding Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor. Go to Source
