The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, is set to embark on an important official visit to the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka from January 5 to 8, 2026. This trip underscores India’s ongoing commitment to enhancing defense cooperation and fostering military relationships with allied nations.
In the UAE, General Dwivedi’s visit will feature a ceremonial Guard of Honour, conducted by the UAE Land Forces. His schedule includes high-level meetings with senior military officials, including the Commander of the UAE Land Forces. These discussions will offer insights into the structure, roles, and capabilities of the UAE Army, furthering bilateral ties in defense.
Key military establishments will be on the agenda as well, providing the COAS with opportunities to interact with officers and troops. Notably, he will address personnel at the UAE National Defence College, aiming to deepen professional military exchanges and boost strategic understanding between Indian and UAE armed forces. This visit seeks to build upon the already significant defense partnership between India and the UAE.
Following the engagements in the UAE, General Dwivedi will travel to Sri Lanka, where he will again be honored with a Guard of Honour by the Sri Lanka Army. His discussions in Sri Lanka will involve senior military and civil leadership, such as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, the Deputy Minister of Defence, and the Defence Secretary.
The talks are expected to center on key topics like training cooperation, capacity-building initiatives, and mutual interests in maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
General Dwivedi will also address officers at the Defence Services Command and Staff College and interact with trainees at the Army War College in Buttala. These activities will highlight India’s dedication to defense education and the establishment of professional military exchanges with Sri Lanka.
An important part of his visit will include paying homage at the IPKF War Memorial, honoring the sacrifices of Indian soldiers who served in Sri Lanka.
Overall, this visit marks a significant step in reinforcing India’s commitment to regional partnerships and enhancing defense cooperation with friendly nations in West Asia and the Indian Ocean Region. It aligns with New Delhi’s broader strategic outreach and security cooperation initiatives.
