New Delhi: Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi emphasised on the Army’s readiness to address any situation along the sensitive Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, the Line Of Control (LOC) with Pakistan and borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Addressing his first press conference on taking over as the 29th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) ahead of Army Day which is to be held in Pune on January 15, General Upendra Dwivedi said the situation in Eastern Ladakh was “stable but sensitive.”
General Dwivedi, without spelling out a timeline for the resolution of differences between India and China, the two biggest armed forces in Asia that are still locked in a “degree of standoff, ” said the Indian Army is looking at diplomatic negotiations to resolve the situation. He said the trust between the two nations now required a new definition and comes in the light of the statement by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar that the disengagement in Depsang and Demchok in Eastern Ladakh had been completed and discussions on other issues would commence soon.
“As far as status of standoff (with China) is concerned…we have to see what all has changed since April 2020. Has the terrain been doctored over a period of time? Yes, both sides have doctored the terrain. Have both sides carried out constructions? Yes. Both sides have carried out some stocking, deployment? Yes. Therefore, what it means is that there is a degree of standoff,” General Dwivedi said.
On terrorism along the Indo-Pakistan border, the Army Chief said, “the violence level is being orchestrated by the epicentre of terrorism that is Pakistan…If the support is not forthcoming the way India is looking at it, this kind of terrorist infiltration will continue to be there.”
General Dwivedi underlined the Army’s operational preparedness and said, “Our deployment is balanced and robust; we are capable of handling any situation.”
On the prevailing situation on the northern borders, General Dwivedi observed that, “the situation is sensitive but stable.” He pointed to significant progress in key areas of eastern Ladakh, such as Depsang and Demchok, which have witnessed renewed patrolling and grazing activities after years of restrictions.
“In October, the situation in Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh got resolved. The patrolling to traditional areas in these two sub-sectors has commenced. Similarly, traditional grazing has also commenced in these two areas,” he noted.
The Army Chief said that he has, “authorised all co-commanders to handle these issues at the ground level with respect to patrolling and grazing so that these trivial issues can be resolved at the military level itself. Own deployment along LAC is balanced and robust. We are well poised to deal with any situation. A focus on capability development for northern borders has enabled the infusion of niche technology into a war-fighting system.”
On the situation in Manipur which has been facing violence, the Army Chief said that there is a gradual improvement in the region and the situation is under control. He said, “in Manipur, synergised efforts of security forces and proactive government initiatives have brought the situation under control. However, cyclic incidents of violence continue. We are working to establish peace in the region.”
He highlighted reconciliation efforts in Manipur, saying, “various NGOs and our veterans are reaching out to the community leaders to give effect to a kind of reconciliation.” On the Indo-Myanmar border, he assured, “enhanced surveillance and domination are in place to insulate from a spillover of turbulence which is taking place in Myanmar as of now.”
General Dwivedi also revealed the allocation received to upgrade Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and Quick Reaction medical teams, based on lessons learned in 2024.
General Dwivedi revealed that 60% of the terrorists eliminated in 2023 were of Pakistani origin, adding, “As of today, around 80% or more of the remaining terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir are of Pakistan origin.” Despite challenges, he assured that the situation was firmly under control. “The ceasefire along the LOC, effective since February 2021, is holding. However, the terror infrastructure remains intact, and infiltration attempts continue. In recent months, there has been an uptick in terrorist activity, particularly in North Kashmir and the Doda-Kishtwar belt. Overall, violence remains under control.”
General Dwivedi highlighted the success of events such as the Amarnath Yatra, which saw over five lakh pilgrims this year, and peaceful elections, stating, “the theme of terrorism to tourism is gradually taking shape.”
On the situation in Bangladesh, General Dwivedi stressed the strategic importance of India-Bangladesh relations. He reflected on a recent statement made by the Bangladesh chief, which acknowledged the mutual strategic importance between the two nations. “India is strategically important to us and same is vice versa. Bangladesh is strategically important to us… We are neighbours, we have to live together and understand each other, and any kind of animosity is not in each other’s interest,” General Dwivedi said.
He assured that there is currently no vulnerability from either side, adding, “As of today, there is no vulnerability from any side. I was in touch with the Chief of Bangladesh even when this changeover took place. In November, we had a video conference also.”
On military cooperation, he noted that ties remain strong, with Indian officers participating in the National Defence College (NDC) in Bangladesh. While joint exercises have been postponed due to the current situation, General Dwivedi expressed optimism, saying, “as and when the situation improves, that exercise will also go on. As of now, the relationship with the military is well and perfect.”
He articulated a vision for the Army’s transformation into a future-ready, self-reliant force. “My mission is to ensure full spectrum preparedness while concurrently transforming the Indian Army into an ‘aatmanirbhar’ future-ready force to be a relevant and key pillar of the national security apparatus that also contributes meaningfully towards nation-building,” he said. He linked these efforts to India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, saying, “Our lines of efforts as regards the developed nation by 2047 are truly aligned.”
Recognising the media’s role, General Dwivedi said, “You (press) are a vital channel between the Army and the citizens. Your progressive and constructive reporting helps the Indian Army in the correct perspective.” He emphasised the potential synergy between mass media and security forces, adding, “I am a strong proponent of the theme that mass media and security forces have great potential to converge together towards nation-building and national security.”
General Dwivedi spoke about the iconic 1971 surrender painting, which holds historical significance for the Indian Army. He highlighted the importance of symbolism in military history and said, “There are two chief lounges – one here and one at South Block. As you may know, by the end of the year, we will be vacating the South Block. If the Thal Sena Bhavan, which is under construction, is completed on time, we will be moving there.”
He explained the decision to place the painting at the Manekshaw Centre on December 16, calling it an auspicious date that aligned with India’s golden history, divided into three key chapters: the British era, the Mughal era, and the pre-Mughal period.
On the surrender portrait’s symbolic role, General Dwivedi remarked, “If you wish to connect that and the vision which I have given you in the beginning, symbolism becomes important.” He noted that the surrender painting at the Manekshaw Centre serves as a reminder of the military’s legacy, alongside the new portrait added to the Chief Lounge.
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