Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi concludes official visits to UAE and Sri Lanka

Why in news

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi concluded official visits to the UAE and Sri Lanka to discuss defense cooperation and regional security.

Background

General Upendra Dwivedi visited the UAE and Sri Lanka from January 05 to 08, 2026. In the UAE, he met with the UAE National Defence College and the Indian Ambassador, Dr. Deepak Mittal. In Sri Lanka, he laid the foundation stone for a Sports Complex at the Army War College.

Facts for Prelims

• PostGeneral Upendra Dwivedi: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS)
• FactVisit dates: January 05 to 08, 2026

For Mains

Q. Discuss the significance of India's defense diplomacy in the Middle East and South Asia for achieving regional security and strategic autonomy.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Strategic depth: Strengthening interoperability with UAE to counter maritime and regional threats
• Capacity building: Enhancing Sri Lanka's military infrastructure to stabilize regional security dynamics

Keywords: Defense Diplomacy · Interoperability · Strategic Autonomy · Capacity Building · Regional Security

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