Change of guard: Gen Dhiraj Seth becomes Army Chief, first Armoured Corps officer since 1997

General Upendra Dwivedi, the outgoing Chief of the Army Staff of India, delivered a compelling vision for the future of warfare during his farewell ceremony on June 30, 2026. In a statement that underscored the evolving nature of modern conflict, he emphasized that future wars would be characterized by greater integration, joint operations, and a theatre-oriented approach. This shift, he explained, requires the armed forces to adopt a unified strategy—where they "see together, decide together, and act together." His remarks came as he bid farewell to his role after nearly four decades of dedicated service, marking the end of his tenure as the 30th Army Chief.

Dwivedi's career has spanned over 40 years, beginning with his commissioning into the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in 1984. A graduate of the Sainik School in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, he has commanded and led operations across diverse geographical regions, including the Northern, Eastern, and Western theatres. His experience includes navigating challenging terrains such as mountainous regions, deserts, glaciers, and dense jungles, which he described as the backdrop of the Indian Army's unwavering defense of the nation. He highlighted the resilience and dedication of the soldiers, calling them the true backbone of the armed forces.

During his tenure, the Indian Army has maintained a high level of operational readiness, particularly along the northern and western borders. On the northern front, under Operation Snow Leopard, the Army has remained firmly deployed and vigilant. Similarly, on the western border, the force has demonstrated serious preparedness, exemplified by Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in May 2025. During this operation, the Army, Navy, and Air Force collaborated seamlessly, showcasing the importance of joint operations. Dwivedi praised the enhanced coordination between the three services, noting that their shared thinking and integration marked a significant step forward in military cooperation.

Before the farewell ceremony, Dwivedi paid homage to the fallen heroes of the Indian Army at the National War Memorial, laying a wreath in tribute to the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for the nation. He also reflected on the broader contributions of the Indian Armed Forces beyond combat, including participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid efforts. From the dense forests of Congo to the earthquake-stricken lands of Venezuela, Indian soldiers have upheld the country's reputation for global engagement and support.

As he prepares to retire, Dwivedi expressed deep gratitude and pride in his long service. He acknowledged the collective strength of the Indian Army—not just in its personnel but also in the trust and faith of the nation's citizens. His final message to the media echoed the need for continued vigilance and unity, emphasizing that the future of warfare demands a more integrated and coordinated approach. With his retirement, the focus shifts to the implementation of these strategic changes, ensuring that the armed forces remain adaptable and effective in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.