New Delhi: Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi proceeded on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka from January 5 to 8 to strengthen defence cooperation and military-to-military ties.
The visit began with engagements in the United Arab Emirates from January 5 to 6. On arrival, the UAE Land Forces accorded General Dwivedi a Guard of Honour. He is scheduled to call on senior leadership of the UAE Armed Forces, including the Commander of the UAE Land Forces.
During the UAE leg, the Army chief will receive briefings on the structure, roles and capabilities of the UAE Army. He will also visit key military establishments and interact with officers and troops, highlighting the expanding defence partnership between India and the UAE.
General Dwivedi will visit the UAE National Defence College. There, he will address officers as part of professional military exchanges aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and strategic understanding between the two forces.
After completing the UAE engagements, the Army chief will travel to Sri Lanka from January 7 to 8. On arrival, the Sri Lanka Army will accord him a Guard of Honour.
Upendra Dwivedi visit focuses on regional defence cooperation
In Sri Lanka, General Dwivedi will engage with senior military and civil leadership. These include the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, the Deputy Minister of Defence and the Defence Secretary. The discussions will focus on training cooperation, capacity building and regional security.
The Army chief will also address officers at the Defence Services Command and Staff College. In addition, he will interact with officers and trainees at the Army War College in Buttala, reinforcing India’s commitment to defence education and professional exchanges.
During the visit, General Dwivedi will pay homage at the IPKF War Memorial. The tribute will honour the supreme sacrifice of Indian soldiers who served in Sri Lanka.
The visit to the UAE and Sri Lanka reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation. It also aimed to enhance mutual trust and interoperability with friendly nations in the Indian Ocean Region and West Asia.
