Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a two-day visit to explore ways to strengthen bilateral military cooperation.
Gen Dwivedi is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with top military brass of the Gulf nation.
"The visit underscores a shared commitment to deepening mutual understanding, enhancing cooperation in areas of common interest and advancing bilateral defence cooperation between the two nations," the Indian Army said on social media.
On arrival, General Dwivedi will be accorded a Guard of Honour by the UAE Land Forces. He is set to interact with senior leadership of the UAE Armed Forces, including the Commander of the UAE Land Forces. On the agenda is a briefing on the structure, roles and capabilities of the UAE Army.
"He will also visit key military establishments and interact with officers and troops, underscoring the growing defence partnership between India and the UAE. This includes a visit to UAE National Defence College wherein COAS will address all officers. These engagements are aimed at further enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, professional military exchanges and strategic understanding between the two armed forces.," the PIB said in an official statement.
Gen Dwivedi's trip to the UAE is taking place weeks after the Gulf nation's Commander of the Presidential Guard, Major General Ali Saif Humaid Alkaabi, visited India.
The Army Chief's visit comes in the midst of fast-paced developments in the Gulf region, including escalating tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia over the situation in Yemen.
The military cooperation between India and the UAE witnessed a significant momentum after the visit to that country by then Army Chief Gen MM Naravane in December 2020.
It was the first-ever visit to the UAE by a head of the Indian Army.
From UAE, he will board the plane to Sri Lanka where he is expect to spend two days.
