New Delhi

Outgoing Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said the nature of future warfare will increasingly demand greater integration among the armed forces, stressing that India's military must operate with a unified approach in planning, decision-making and execution.

Speaking after receiving a ceremonial guard of honour at South Block on his final day in office, Gen Dwivedi said modern conflicts would require seamless coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force.

“The future battlefield will be more joint, integrated and theatre-oriented. Our vision is clear—to observe together, decide together and act together,” he said.

General Dwivedi, who assumed office as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff in June 2024, retires after more than four decades of military service.

Reflecting on his career, he described his journey from Sainik School to the Army’s highest post as an extraordinary privilege.

“Serving the Indian Army for over 40 years has been the greatest honour of my life. As I conclude my tenure, I leave with immense gratitude, pride and satisfaction,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the outgoing Army chief paid tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial before attending the farewell ceremony.

Reviewing the Army’s operational preparedness over the past two years, Gen Dwivedi said the force had maintained a high level of readiness across all theatres.

Referring to the northern frontier, he said troops deployed under Operation Snow Leopard continue to remain vigilant and fully prepared to safeguard national interests.

On the western front, he highlighted Operation Sindoor as a defining example of the armed forces’ resolve and preparedness in responding to emerging security challenges.

He noted that the operation, launched in May 2025 following the Pahalgam terror attack, showcased an unprecedented level of cooperation among the three services.

According to him, the experience further strengthened joint operational capabilities and reinforced the need for integrated military structures in future conflicts.

General Dwivedi emphasised that the Indian Army’s strength lies not in any single individual but in its soldiers, commanders, veterans, military families and the trust reposed in it by the nation.

He paid tribute to the sacrifices of soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the country and acknowledged the unwavering commitment of personnel deployed in some of the world’s toughest terrains, including mountains, deserts, glaciers, forests and remote border regions.

He also praised the Army’s role in counter-terrorism operations, peacekeeping missions and humanitarian assistance efforts across the world.

From United Nations peacekeeping deployments to disaster relief operations in countries such as Congo and Venezuela, Indian soldiers have consistently upheld the country's reputation through professionalism and dedication, he said.

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An alumnus of Sainik School, Rewa, in Madhya Pradesh, Gen Dwivedi was commissioned into the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles in 1984. During his distinguished career, he held several command and staff appointments across the northern, eastern and western theatres, gaining extensive operational experience in diverse environments.