General Dwivedi interacted with personnel stationed at remote locations and appreciated their resilience, courage and unwavering devotion to duty | Photo credit: Special arrangement
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday (October 19, 2025) celebrated Deepavali with the troops deployed in the high-altitude areas of the Central Sector and greeted all ranks and their families.
During his visit to the forward posts in Pithoragarh and adjoining areas, he appreciated the indomitable spirit of the soldiers and their dedication to duty in extreme climatic and challenging terrain conditions.
According to the Indian Army, General Dwivedi interacted with personnel stationed at remote locations and praised their resilience, courage and unwavering devotion to duty.
He reaffirmed the Indian Army’s full preparedness to meet evolving security challenges and invoked the core ethos of “Service Before Self”. The Army Chief also met veterans and local communities and appreciated their invaluable contribution and strong bond with the armed forces.
The army further informed that after reviewing the operational posture of the formations deployed along the central sector, the COAS was briefed on the ongoing capability enhancement, including advanced surveillance systems, specialized mobility platforms, integration of next-generation technologies and optimization of reconnaissance assets.
Chief reaffirms Indian Army’s full preparedness to meet evolving security challenges, citing core ethos of ‘Service Before Self’ | Photo credit: Special arrangement
He appreciated the professionalism, discipline and tactical skill of the soldiers and their innovative use of new equipment in the high mountains.
General Dwivedi highlighted the strategic importance of the Kumaon region, which serves as a key gateway to the borders with Nepal and China, and praised the patriotism and resilience of the local people.
Invoking the illustrious legacy of the Kumaon Regiment, he reviewed initiatives under Operation Sadbhavna and the Vibrant Village program such as tented family homes in Garbyang and Kalapani, road and power infrastructure, medical aid and agricultural support through polyhouses.
He emphasized that the Indian Army in Kumaon is an example of a “compassionate force” that defends national borders while empowering border communities, the army added.
Concluding his visit, General Dwivedi reaffirmed the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to maintaining operational excellence, promoting civil-military harmony and upholding the highest traditions of duty, honor and service to the nation.
Published – 19 Oct 2025 21:44 IST
