By Mewati Sitaram
In a major push to strengthen India’s defence diplomacy and military cooperation with friendly nations, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, has embarked on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sri Lanka from January 5 to 8, 2026.
The visit is part of India’s sustained efforts to deepen military-to-military engagement, enhance strategic understanding and reinforce defence ties in the Indian Ocean Region and West Asia.
General Dwivedi’s tour begins in the UAE, where he will be in Abu Dhabi from January 5 to 6. On arrival, the Army Chief will be accorded a Guard of Honour by the UAE Land Forces. During his stay, he will call on senior leadership of the UAE Armed Forces, including the Commander of the UAE Land Forces, and receive detailed briefings on the organisation, roles and operational capabilities of the UAE Army.
The COAS will also visit key military establishments and interact with officers and troops, underlining the steadily expanding defence partnership between India and the UAE. A key highlight will be his interaction at the UAE National Defence College, where he will address officers, focusing on strategic cooperation, regional security and professional military exchanges.
Following his engagements in the UAE, General Dwivedi will proceed to Sri Lanka from January 7 to 8. On arrival, he will be accorded a Guard of Honour by the Sri Lanka Army. During the visit, he will meet senior military and civil leadership, including the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, the Deputy Minister of Defence and the Defence Secretary.
The discussions are expected to focus on training cooperation, capacity building and regional security challenges of mutual concern. During the Sri Lanka visit, General Dwivedi will address officers at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) and interact with officers and trainees at the Army War College, Buttala, reflecting India’s strong commitment to defence education and professional military exchanges, and will also pay homage at the IPKF War Memorial to honour the supreme sacrifice of Indian soldiers, with the overall visit reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation, fostering mutual trust and enhancing interoperability with friendly nations.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
