Col DPK Pillay (Retd).
The appointment of Lt General Upendra Dwivedi as the next Chief of Army Staff has put to rest the controversy surrounding the extension granted to the outgoing COAS General Manoj Pande.
The appointment follows established protocols and was made without any political interference. Lt General Dwivedi’s selection has been met with widespread approval within the military community.
Priorities, challenges
His priorities as COAS will include border security and management, modernisation and digitisation of the Army, enhancing combat capabilities and readiness, strengthening military diplomacy and international relations, and the welfare and wellbeing of soldiers and veterans.
The new COAS will also face challenges such as managing the ongoing border standoff with China, dealing with the fragile situation in Jammu & Kashmir, counter-terrorism operations, managing the Army’s budget and resources, and addressing the issue of Agniveer and soldier as well as officer shortages and morale.
Well-suited for job
Lt General Dwivedi is well-suited to lead the Indian Army, with a distinguished career spanning nearly 40 years. He has extensive combat experience, having served in counter-terrorism operations in Jammu & Kashmir and in the Northeast. He has also been instrumental in modernisation efforts, particularly in the areas of infantry and artillery.
Interestingly, Lt General Dwivedi shares his alma mater, Sainik School Rewa, with the Naval Chief Admiral Tripathi. This highlights the strong foundation and values instilled by the Sainik School system, which has produced many distinguished military leaders.
The controversy surrounding General Pande’s extension had generated debate about the Model Code of Conduct during elections, with some Opposition parties alleging that the extension was a violation of the MCC. However, the appointment of Lt General Dwivedi has put the matter to rest, allowing the Army to focus on its priorities and challenges ahead.
(The writer is a Research Fellow at the Manohar Parikkar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses)
