Indian Army Chief of Staff arrives in Sri Lanka

The Indian High Commission in Colombo says that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, will be on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sri Lanka from January 5 to 8, as part of India’s ongoing programme to further strengthen defence cooperation and military-to-military ties with friendly countries.

The Indian Chief of Army Staff, who will first visit the UAE, will arrive in Sri Lanka tomorrow (7) and will remain in the country until the 8th. The Indian High Commission in Colombo says that during his stay in the island, the Indian Army Chief will meet the Sri Lankan Army Commander, the Minister of State for Defence and the Defence Secretary, along with senior military and civilian leaders. They will hold detailed discussions on matters of mutual interest including training cooperation, capacity building and regional security. He is scheduled to address the officers of the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC), Sapugaskanda and engage in cordial discussions with the officers and trainees of the Army War College, Buttala. In addition, General Dwivedi is scheduled to visit the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial and pay homage to the Indian soldiers who have died. This visit by the Indian Army Chief will reaffirm India's commitment to strengthening defense cooperation with friendly countries in the Indian Ocean Region and West Asia, and to enhancing mutual trust and military interoperability.