The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Upendra Dwivedi, has proceeded on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sri Lanka from 05 to 08 January 2026, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation and military-to-military engagement with friendly nations across West Asia and the Indian Ocean Region.
Engagements in the United Arab Emirates (05–06 January 2026)
The visit will commence in the United Arab Emirates, where General Dwivedi will be accorded a Guard of Honour by the UAE Land Forces on arrival. During his engagements, the Army Chief will call on senior leadership of the UAE Armed Forces, including the Commander of the UAE Land Forces, and receive detailed briefings on the structure, roles, and operational capabilities of the UAE Army.
The COAS will also visit key military establishments and interact with officers and troops, reflecting the steadily expanding India–UAE defence partnership. A significant highlight of the visit will be his interaction with officers at the UAE National Defence College, where he will address the officer cadre, underlining the importance of professional military education, strategic dialogue, and institutional cooperation.
These engagements aim to further enhance bilateral defence ties, joint training, professional exchanges, and strategic understanding between the two armed forces.
Visit to Sri Lanka (07–08 January 2026)
Following his engagements in the UAE, General Dwivedi will travel to Sri Lanka, where he will be accorded a Guard of Honour by the Sri Lanka Army. The visit will include meetings with senior military and civil leadership, including the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, the Deputy Minister of Defence, and the Defence Secretary.
Discussions will focus on training cooperation, capacity building, defence education, and regional security, reflecting the close and enduring defence relationship between India and Sri Lanka.
Focus on Defence Education and Professional Exchange
During his visit, the COAS will address officers at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) and interact with officers and trainees at the Army War College, Buttala. These engagements highlight India’s strong emphasis on defence education, leadership development, and professional military exchanges, which remain central pillars of bilateral military cooperation.
Tribute at IPKF War Memorial
General Dwivedi will also pay homage at the IPKF War Memorial, honouring the supreme sacrifice of Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of peace and regional stability. The tribute underscores India’s respect for shared history and the enduring bonds forged through sacrifice.
Conclusion
The visit of General Upendra Dwivedi to the UAE and Sri Lanka underscores India’s proactive defence diplomacy and its focus on strengthening interoperability, mutual trust, and strategic cooperation with key partners in West Asia and the Indian Ocean Region. Through high-level engagements, professional exchanges, and commemorative tributes, the visit reinforces India’s role as a reliable and responsible security partner committed to regional stability and collaborative defence engagement.
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Source: PIB
