General Dwivedi Strengthens Defence Ties During UAE and Sri Lanka Visit
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, has successfully wrapped up a pivotal official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sri Lanka from January 5 to 8, 2026. This trip underscores India’s dedication to enhancing defence cooperation, fostering military-to-military engagement, and fortifying strategic partnerships in West Asia and the Indian Ocean Region.
Strengthening Ties in the UAE
During his stay in the UAE from January 5 to 6, General Dwivedi engaged in comprehensive discussions with senior leaders of the UAE Armed Forces, including the Commander of the UAE Land Forces. The focus was on boosting defence cooperation, improving interoperability, and exploring new opportunities for joint training and professional military exchanges.
General Dwivedi was briefed on the organizational structure, roles, and operational capabilities of the UAE Land Forces. In addition, he visited key military facilities, gaining firsthand insights and sharing best practices with UAE military officers and troops.
Highlighting the importance of strategic dialogue, he addressed officers at the UAE National Defence College, discussing leadership development and shared perspectives on regional and global security challenges. His visit also included a meeting with Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Dr. Deepak Mittal, where they exchanged views on defence diplomacy and cooperation.
Key Discussions in Sri Lanka
From January 7 to 8, General Dwivedi continued his outreach in Sri Lanka, meeting with senior military and civil leaders, including the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, the Deputy Minister of Defence, and the Defence Secretary. The discussions emphasized training cooperation, capacity building, defence education, and the dynamics of regional security.
During his visit to the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), General Dwivedi reiterated India’s commitment to enhancing defence capabilities. He also interacted with trainees at the Army War College in Buttala, where he laid the foundation stone for a new Sports Complex and formally handed over ambulance vans and 20 Mahindra Scorpio vehicles to the Sri Lanka Army, bolstering operational capabilities and training infrastructure.
Additionally, he honored the memory of Indian soldiers at the IPKF War Memorial, reinforcing the shared history and strong ties between India and Sri Lanka. His interactions included a meeting with the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Shri Santosh Jha, further emphasizing the deep relationship shared by the two nations.
Significant Outcomes
This visit marked a substantial advancement in defence and military-to-military cooperation with both the UAE and Sri Lanka. Through enriched strategic dialogue and expanded professional military education exchanges, General Dwivedi’s engagements reinforced mutual trust and interoperability. They also highlighted India’s role as a reliable and trusted partner in defence.
The successful completion of this official tour reaffirms India’s commitment to promoting peace, stability, and cooperative security in the Indian Ocean Region and West Asia while deepening its longstanding defence partnerships with friendly nations.
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