Visit to the United Arab Emirates
During his UAE visit from 5 to 6 January, General Dwivedi held extensive discussions with senior UAE Armed Forces leadership, including the Commander of the UAE Land Forces. The talks focused on strengthening defence cooperation, enhancing interoperability, and expanding avenues for joint training and professional military exchanges.
The COAS received detailed briefings on the organisational structure, operational capabilities, and strategic priorities of the UAE Land Forces. He also visited key military establishments, interacted with officers and troops, and addressed officers at the UAE National Defence College, emphasizing strategic dialogue, leadership development, and shared perspectives on regional security challenges.
Interactions with the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Dr Deepak Mittal, further explored opportunities for defence diplomacy and cooperation.
Visit to Sri Lanka
From 7 to 8 January 2026, General Dwivedi visited Sri Lanka and held substantive discussions with senior military and civil leadership, including the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Deputy Minister of Defence, and Defence Secretary. The focus areas included training cooperation, capacity building, defence education, and regional security dynamics.
He addressed officers at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) and engaged with officers and trainees at the Army War College, Buttala. During the visit, he laid the foundation stone of a Sports Complex, handed over ambulance vans, 20 Mahindra Scorpio vehicles, and simulators to enhance the operational capability and training infrastructure of the Sri Lanka Army.
The COAS also paid homage at the IPKF War Memorial, honoring the sacrifice of Indian soldiers and reaffirming the strong people-to-people ties between India and Sri Lanka. Interactions with Indian High Commissioner Shri Santosh Jha further reinforced bilateral defence collaboration.
Key Outcomes and Strategic Significance
The visits significantly advanced defence and military-to-military cooperation with both the UAE and Sri Lanka. Strategic dialogues were strengthened, professional military education exchanges expanded, and tangible capacity-building initiatives implemented. These engagements reinforced mutual trust, enhanced interoperability, and underscored India’s role as a reliable defence partner.
The successful visits reaffirm India’s commitment to fostering peace, stability, and cooperative security in the Indian Ocean Region and West Asia while deepening longstanding defence partnerships with friendly nations.
