In a significant ceremonial moment ahead of his retirement, outgoing Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, paid a courtesy call to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on June 17, 2026. Accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, the visit highlights the long-standing military tradition where outgoing service chiefs meet the President of India, who serves as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, before relinquishing their command.
The meeting comes just weeks before General Dwivedi concludes his remarkable tenure on June 30, 2026, marking the end of a distinguished military career that has spanned over four decades. General Dwivedi’s time as Army Chief has been characterized by his commitment to enhancing the Indian Army’s operational capabilities and modernization efforts. His leadership has emphasized the importance of maintaining high levels of combat readiness in an increasingly complex security landscape.
In conjunction with this transition, the Government of India announced on June 13, 2026, the appointment of Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth as the next Chief of the Army Staff. General Seth is set to assume command on June 30, ensuring a seamless transition in the leadership of the Indian Army.
During his tenure, General Dwivedi has been instrumental in implementing several key initiatives focused on operational preparedness, technological advancements, and joint operations among the armed forces. He has also prioritized the welfare of soldiers and veterans, navigating the Indian Army through a rapidly evolving and sometimes volatile security environment.
As General Dwivedi prepares to step down, the upcoming change of command signifies a new chapter for the Indian Army under Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth’s leadership, reinforcing the commitment to safeguarding the nation’s security and interests while ensuring continuity in its strategic objectives.
