Colombo, Jan 7 (NationPress) General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of India, met with Major General K W Jayaweera, the Commandant of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) in Sri Lanka on Wednesday. He was present for the opening of the 'Indo-Lanka Wisdom Corner' at the DSCSC library.

In his address to the faculty and student officers at the DSCSC, General Dwivedi underlined the vital role of the Armed Forces in nation-building and emphasized the necessity of incorporating niche and emerging technologies into military operations.

The ADGPI shared on X, "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, engaged with Major General KW Jayaweera, Commandant of the DSCSC, Sri Lanka. He also witnessed the inauguration of the 'Indo-Lanka Wisdom Corner' at the DSCSC library."

During his speech to the faculty and students, the COAS discussed the changing dynamics of global security, the evolving nature of modern warfare, and its operational implications. He pointed out the critical role of the Armed Forces in nation-building and emphasized the need for integrating advanced technologies into military operations. He encouraged student officers to continually enhance their professional skills to become effective leaders.

Earlier in the day, General Dwivedi paid tribute by laying a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Sri Lanka, honoring the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Pawan.

In a statement posted on X, the ADGPI stated, "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, laid a wreath at the IPKF Memorial in Sri Lanka, paying solemn homage to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of peace and regional stability during Operation PAWAN."

The IPKF Memorial commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of Indian Army troops during their operations in Sri Lanka from 1987 to 1990, serving as a symbol of courage and the Indian Army’s commitment to peacekeeping.

General Dwivedi’s visit to Sri Lanka comes after his engagements in the United Arab Emirates. According to the ADGPI, his visit signifies the strong commitment of both nations to deepen cooperation and mutual understanding, particularly in defense.

The statement continued, "General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, is on an official visit to Sri Lanka, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to deepen cooperation in shared interests and strengthen bilateral defense ties."

This visit aligns with the backdrop of Operation Sagar Bandhu, which reflects India’s enduring partnership with Sri Lanka.

Last November, India initiated Operation Sagar Bandhu as the First Responder following the devastating Cyclone Ditwah, providing urgent humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to Sri Lanka, which faced extensive flooding and infrastructure damage.

During his stay, General Dwivedi is set to meet with senior military and civil leaders, including the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, the Deputy Minister of Defence, and the Defence Secretary, to discuss mutual interests, including training, capacity building, and regional security, as stated by the Ministry of Defence.

The Ministry of Defence added, "The Chief of Army Staff's visits to the UAE and Sri Lanka reaffirm India’s dedication to enhancing defense cooperation, fostering trust, and improving interoperability with allied nations in the Indian Ocean Region and West Asia."