"Greatest privilege of my life": General Upendra Dwivedi signs off as Army Chief, hands over to General Dhiraj Seth
New Delhi, June 30
Outgoing Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday described serving in the Indian Army for over four decades as the "greatest privilege" of his life as he handed over the responsibility of the Chief of the Army Staff to Gen Dhiraj Seth.
General Dwivedi expressed gratitude to soldiers, veterans, their families, and the citizens of the country for their unwavering support.
He laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in the national capital.
During the farewell ceremony, General Dwivedi said, "As I conclude my tenure as the Chief of the Army Staff, I am filled with a profound sense of humility, gratitude, pride, and satisfaction. The journey from Sainik School to this moment has been unforgettable. Serving in the Indian Army for over four decades has been the greatest privilege of my life."
"The Indian Army derives its strength not from any single individual, but from the unwavering faith of its soldiers, commanders, veterans, families, and the citizens of the country. I pay homage to every soldier of the Indian Army, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty," he further added.
General Dwivedi said the Indian Army had maintained a high level of preparedness and vigilance across all fronts over the past two years, highlighting the successful execution of Operation Snow Leopard and Operation Sindoor.
He also stressed that stronger synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force has helped shape the country's "new normal" in national security.
"...Over the past two years, the Indian Army has progressively maintained its preparedness, balance, and vigilance on every front. Our deployment along the northern borders under 'Operation Snow Leopard' has been marked by strength and alertness. On the western front, too, the Army has discharged its duties with utmost seriousness and restraint; 'Operation Sindoor' stands as a shining example of this," he said.
"Regarding all matters of national security, the Indian Army has executed its tasks with clear objectives, discipline, and a sense of responsibility, effectively shaping the definition of the 'new normal.' During this period, synergy among the three services has strengthened further; the Army, Navy, and Air Force have worked together with a shared vision, mutual trust, and enhanced coordination. Future warfare will be increasingly joint, integrated, and theatre-oriented. Therefore, our direction is clear: to look together, decide together, and act together," Gen Dwivedi added.
General Dwivedi expressed confidence in his successor, Gen Dhiraj Seth, as he handed over the responsibility of leading the Indian Army.
He said the seasoned soldier and capable leader would take the force to greater heights while upholding its traditions, professionalism, and operational readiness.
"Today, I am handing over this responsibility to General Dhiraj Seth. 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," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I hope General Seth continues the good work on synergy between the three services. Theatre command is the future, and we need to be ready for anything. But let's not forget the soldiers on the ground in Ladakh and Kashmir who make it all possible.
Salute to General Dwivedi! But I wish the media would cover the challenges our soldiers face on the border more honestly. Operation Sindoor sounds great in press releases, but what about the real conditions? Still, proud moment for the Army.
What a dignified farewell. General Dwivedi's journey from Sainik School to Army Chief is truly inspiring. The emphasis on joint operations and theatre commands shows how forward-thinking our military leadership is. Best wishes to General Seth!
The bit about 'looking together, deciding together, acting together' - that's what we need. But I'm a bit concerned that we're focusing too much on hardware and not enough on soldier welfare. Hope the new chief addresses issues like modernisation of equipment and better housing for jawans.
Respect to both generals! 🇮🇳 Operation Snow Leopard has kept our northern borders secure despite all the challenges. The transition looks smooth, and I'm confident General Seth will take the Army forward. The nation is in safe hands.
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