Army ready for all current and future security challenges: Gen Dwivedi

He added the Army is facing “unique operational challenges” and to remain prepared for such threats, it is crucial to continue equipping soldiers with the latest weapons.

“I am fully conscious of the responsibility assigned to me and I assure the country and fellow citizens that the Indian Army is fully capable and ready to face all current and future challenges,” he said.

Gen Dwivedi said the geo-political landscape is changing rapidly and technology is evolving at a very fast pace.

“The Indian Army faces unique operational challenges and to remain prepared for such threats and distinctive requirements, it is crucial that we continuously equip our soldiers with state-of-the-art weapons and technology and continue to evolve our war-fighting strategies,” he said.

Gen Dwivedi said the Army is on the path to transformation and it aspires to be ‘Atmanirbhar’ in defence and to achieve this, indigenous initiatives will be encouraged and maximum war systems and equipment that are manufactured in India will be inducted.

He added that he would focus on ensuring that the Army is ready to operate in the full spectrum of conflict.

“It will be my endeavour to ensure that the Indian Army is always ready to operate in the full spectrum of conflict, maintaining complete synergy with the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and other stakeholders,” he said, adding that it will ensure that India’s interests are secured and we become a major pillar of nation building to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat-2047.

Paying his tributes to bravehearts who made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, he said he was fully committed to protect the interests of all the personnel in the force and to extend full support to ex-servicemen and their families.

“It will be my priority to ensure that the interests and welfare of all ranks and defence civilians of the Army are looked after,” he said.

“My responsibility towards veterans, ‘veer naris’ and their families is a sacred commitment and I assure this extended family my full support,” he said.

Gen Dwivedi will bring with him 40 years of operational experience which includes several command and staff appointments across northern, eastern, and western theatres.

Aside from bringing in jointness among the three services and tackling the various operational challenges along the frontiers with Pakistan and China, a fresh look at the Agnipath recruitment scheme and continuing with the modernisation of the Army are likely to be among his key priorities.