NEW DELHI, Jan 4, 2026: In a significant move to bolster India’s military diplomacy, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, has proceeded on a four-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sri Lanka from January 5 to 08. This high-level tour is designed to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation and deepen military-to-military ties with key partners in West Asia and the Indian Ocean Region.
The visit begins in the UAE, where General Dwivedi will receive a formal Guard of Honour and hold strategic discussions with the Commander of the UAE Land Forces. A key highlight of the UAE leg includes an address to the officers at the UAE National Defence College, aimed at fostering mutual understanding of regional security architectures and operational capabilities.
Following his engagements in the UAE, the Army Chief will travel to Sri Lanka on January 7 for a two-day itinerary focused on regional stability and capacity building. General Dwivedi is scheduled to meet with the Sri Lankan Deputy Minister of Defence and the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army to discuss training cooperation and shared security interests.
Demonstrating India’s commitment to professional military education, the COAS will interact with trainees at the Army War College in Buttala and the Defence Services Command and Staff College. Additionally, in a poignant tribute to historical ties, General Dwivedi will lay a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) War Memorial to honor the sacrifices of Indian soldiers.
This dual-nation visit underscores India’s proactive role in enhancing interoperability and fostering trust with its strategic neighbors.
