Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi has emphasized the Army's commitment to actively integrating veterans into the national security framework and nation-building efforts. Addressing an event commemorating Armed Forces Veterans Day, General Dwivedi highlighted the invaluable contributions of ex-servicemen to India's security, governance, industry, and social development, extending far beyond their active service. He underscored that veterans have consistently stood firm with the nation in all circumstances, reflecting their deeply ingrained sense of national duty and responsibility.
The Army is expanding its welfare, healthcare, and resettlement initiatives for ex-servicemen and their families. This commitment acknowledges that veteran welfare is a continuing responsibility, not just an episodic obligation. At a Veterans Day event at the Jaipur Military Station, which operates under the South Western Command, General Dwivedi directly engaged with veterans and Veer Naris (war widows), reinforcing the Army's dedication to those who have served. During the event, he felicitated officials of the Zila Sainik Boards and launched the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans' magazine, Samman, to enhance veteran outreach. Sunita Dwivedi, President of the Army Women's Welfare Association, also acknowledged the sacrifices of Veer Naris and Veer Matas, demonstrating the Army's appreciation for the families of servicemen.
In related news, General Dwivedi addressed the ongoing Operation Sindoor, stating that the Army is closely monitoring every move of the enemy. He referenced the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, which spurred a decisive response at the highest level, resulting in Operation Sindoor. According to Dwivedi, the precision, professionalism, and operational superiority displayed by the Indian Army in this operation compelled Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire within 88 hours. He presented this as a clear demonstration of the Indian Army's capabilities in safeguarding national sovereignty and interests. He also mentioned that the Army, Navy, and Air Force jointly engaged nine terrorist camps and infrastructure in Pakistan with precision in just 22 minutes during Operation Sindoor.
The Army's focus extends beyond immediate security concerns to long-term modernization and adaptation. The Army is actively integrating veterans' skills and experience into various sectors, recognizing their potential to contribute to national progress. This approach aligns with the broader goals of enhancing national security by leveraging the expertise of those who have served. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is the principal advisor to the Secretary of the Army, responsible for information management, including IT policy, cloud governance, and cybersecurity. The Army is also focused on building cohesive, well-trained teams and shifting its focus from irregular warfare to great power competition, as directed by the 2018 National Defense Strategy.
