Gen Upendra Dwivedi Stresses Jointness, Tech & Leadership at DSSC Wellington

The COAS praised DSSC for its distinguished role in preparing the next generation of military leaders through a rigorous academic curriculum and real-world strategic exposure.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, during his recent visit to the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington, emphasized the critical need for synergy, jointness, and adaptability among the Indian Armed Forces to meet the evolving challenges of modern warfare. Addressing the 80th Staff Course, comprising student officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with the permanent faculty, Gen Dwivedi outlined a vision for future-ready armed forces empowered by professional education, strategic foresight, and technological innovation.

The COAS praised DSSC for its distinguished role in preparing the next generation of military leaders through a rigorous academic curriculum and real-world strategic exposure. He stated, “Professional military education is not just a foundation but a force multiplier in today’s complex security environment. The DSSC stands at the forefront of this transformation, shaping leaders who can respond to dynamic threats with clarity, courage, and competence.”

Gen Dwivedi highlighted the rapidly changing nature of warfare, where conventional tactics are increasingly intertwined with cyber, space, and information domains. “Today’s battlefield extends far beyond traditional theatres. The future of conflict lies in multi-domain operations, and it is imperative that we equip our officers with not just the tools, but the mindset to lead in such a landscape,” he said.

Leadership, technological integration, and adaptability were central themes in his address. The COAS called upon the officers to remain agile, proactive, and innovative. “Static thinking is a luxury we can no longer afford. We must invest in future technologies, integrate them swiftly, and inculcate a culture of innovation in our planning and execution,” he added.

During his visit, Gen Dwivedi was briefed by Lt Gen Virendra Vats, Commandant DSSC, about recent initiatives undertaken to enhance the relevance of the Staff Course. Special mention was made of the first Deep Purple Division, a pioneering step in tri-services training, where 40 officers from all three services underwent integrated instruction designed to simulate the complexities of future warfare scenarios.

The Deep Purple Division represents a shift towards greater jointmanship and inter-service cooperation. It integrates operational planning across land, sea, air, cyber, and space, thus preparing officers to operate in a synchronized and networked combat environment.

In his interactions with the faculty, Gen Dwivedi engaged in detailed discussions on contemporary military strategy, operational art, and leadership development. He lauded the institution’s commitment to fostering inter-service understanding, which he described as vital for India’s comprehensive national defence posture.

As part of his itinerary, the COAS also met with veterans of the Wellington Military Station, acknowledging their lifelong service and sacrifices. He presented the ‘Veteran Achievers Award’ to honour distinguished veterans who have continued to serve the nation in various capacities post-retirement.

The visit concluded with a renewed call for unity, vision, and continuous evolution in military thought and training. Gen Dwivedi's address served not only as a morale booster for the officers in training but also as a reaffirmation of the Armed Forces' commitment to remain ahead of emerging security threats through joint training, leadership excellence, and technological edge.

The COAS’s visit to DSSC Wellington marks another important step in India's efforts to develop integrated, future-ready military leaders, who can steer the country’s defence apparatus in an increasingly complex global strategic environment.