Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday emphasized the Indian Army’s readiness to handle any challenges along the northern border while underscoring the importance of avoiding a repeat of the Galway clash. Speaking at the 77th Army Day celebrations, the Army Chief described the situation along the northern frontier as stable but sensitive and stressed the need for a holistic, nationwide approach to securing India’s borders.
“The situation along the northern border is stable but sensitive. We must ensure that what happened in Galwan is not repeated,” General Dwivedi said, referencing the deadly 2020 clash in eastern Ladakh.
He highlighted the need for coordinated efforts, involving diplomacy, military strategy, and internal security measures spearheaded by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). “We need a whole-of-nation approach. Whether it’s a diplomatic or military effort or contributions by CAPF, we must all work together to avoid surprises in the future,” he asserted.
General Dwivedi reassured the nation about the safety of the northern border. “The northern borders are secure because the Indian Army is deployed with the required strength and resources to protect them,” he said.
This follows a recent breakthrough in India-China relations, where an agreement on troop disengagement and patrolling protocols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh was finalized. The agreement marks a significant step toward easing tensions that have persisted since the military standoff began in May 2020, culminating in the Galwan Valley clash in June of that year.
Addressing the situation along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, General Dwivedi acknowledged that while a ceasefire is being maintained, infiltration attempts continue. He credited the concerted efforts of security forces within Jammu and Kashmir for a noticeable reduction in violence in the region.
The Army Chief also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize the Indian Army, making it more agile, technologically advanced, and adaptable to emerging challenges. “We will continue on the path of transformation, ensuring the Indian Army becomes a modern, agile, and technology-enabled force,” he said.
The Army Day parade, held in Pune for the first time, included several firsts in its showcase of the Indian Army’s capabilities. The event featured cutting-edge platforms, a fly-past by three Su-30 fighter jets, and marching contingents.
For the first time in history, the parade included an all-girl National Cadet Corps (NCC) contingent, an all-woman Agniveer contingent from the Corps of Military Police (CMP) Centre and School, and 12 “robotic mules” designed for military operations.
General Dwivedi noted the historical significance of hosting the parade in Pune, a city synonymous with valor since the Maratha Empire.
The eastern Ladakh standoff between India and China began in May 2020, following a series of confrontations at various points along the LAC. The Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, which resulted in casualties on both sides, was the deadliest conflict between the two nations in decades. The event strained bilateral relations significantly.
Efforts to de-escalate tensions have been ongoing, with the recent disengagement agreement signaling a significant step toward restoring normalcy along the LAC.
General Dwivedi’s remarks and the parade highlights underline the Indian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation while adapting to future challenges through modernization and inclusivity. The event also served as a reminder of the army’s rich legacy and its pivotal role in ensuring national security.
