New Delhi [India], January 15 (ANI): Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday extended greetings on the occasion of Army Day, paying tribute to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation.

In his message, he saluted the courage and dedication of serving personnel, veterans, defence civilians, Veer Matas, Veer Naris, and their families. Calling upon all ranks to uphold their profound responsibility to the nation, he urged them to re-dedicate themselves to service in the true spirit of the Indian Army's core ethos: 'Naam, Namak aur Nishaan'.

'On the momentous occasion of the Army Day 2026, I extend my heartiest felicitations and warm wishes to All Ranks of the Indian Army (IA), Veterans, Veer Matas, Veer Naris, Defence Civilians and their Families. We salute and honour the supreme sacrifice of our Bravehearts who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. We bear a profound responsibility in the national consciousness. As we look ahead, let us re-dedicate ourselves to the service of the Nation in the true spirit of our core ethos of 'Naam', 'Namak' aur 'Nishaan',' General Dwivedi wrote in his letter.

Reflecting on the past year, General Dwivedi highlighted the Indian Army's sustained vigilance and decisive operational responses across the security spectrum to safeguard national sovereignty and interests, notably during Operation Sindoor.

He also underscored the Army's exemplary professionalism in responding swiftly to natural disasters across India and in friendly neighbouring countries through Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, while continuing to make credible contributions to international peacekeeping under United Nations Peacekeeping (UNPK) missions.

'The bygone year called for sustained vigilance and decisive operational responses across the security spectrum in safeguarding our national sovereignty and interests as showcased during Op SINDOOR. Concurrently, the IA displayed remarkable professionalism in its swift response to the natural calamities both pan-India and in friendly neighbouring countries through HADR Ops and continued to contribute credibly to international peace as part of UNPK missions,' he added.

General Dwivedi emphasised that, in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'JAI' (Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation), the Army must strengthen synergy with other services and agencies. He said this approach would accelerate the development of indigenous defence capabilities and nurture a culture of innovation.

The Indian Army, he noted, will remain a key enabler in achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, contributing not only to national security but also to socio-economic development, disaster relief, and comprehensive nation-building under the frameworks of the Year of Reforms and the Decade of Transformation. 'Aligned with the Prime Minister's vision of JAI (Jointness, Atmanirbharta and Innovation) our vision this year should prioritise synergy with other services and agencies to foster the development of indigenous defence solutions and the culture of innovation. The IA will be a key enabler in realising the national objectives of Viksit Bharat@2047, contributing to national security alongwith socio-economic progress, disaster relief, and comprehensive nation-building efforts under the frameworks of Year of Reforms and Decade of Transformation,' the letter read.

Reaffirming the Army's commitment to its extended family, the COAS stressed the importance of ensuring the welfare and dignity of veterans, Veer Matas, Veer Naris, and their families, whose resilience continues to inspire the force.

'Let us reaffirm the sacred commitment and dedication of the IA towards the welfare and dignity of our respected Veterans, Veer Matas, Veer Naris and their families, whose strength and resilience continue to inspire us,' the letter read. (ANI)