New Delhi, Jun 23 (KNO): Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi has assumed the appointment of Honorary Colonel of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and the Ladakh Scouts, reaffirming his long association with the two regiments known for their distinguished service in some of the country's most challenging operational environments.
The ceremonial investiture, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) took place during an event in which Lieutenant General M P Singh, the serving Colonel of the Regiment, presented the ceremonial baton to General Dwivedi, symbolising the Army Chief's enduring connection with the regimental traditions and legacy.
The Indian Army announced the development in a statement, noting that General Dwivedi had earlier relinquished the appointment of Colonel of the Regiment after taking over as the Army Chief.
Army officials said the decision reflected his commitment to lead the force as a whole and maintain an institution-wide outlook while occupying the highest military office.
After assuming charge as Chief of the Army Staff, General Dwivedi had chosen not to hold the appointment of Colonel of any regiment, underscoring his role as the head of the entire Indian Army rather than being associated with a particular arm or formation.
With the latest appointment, the Army said, General Dwivedi continues his association with the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and the Ladakh Scouts while serving as their Honorary Colonel.
Pertinently, the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles is among the Army's oldest infantry regiments and has a long record of operational service, while the Ladakh Scouts has earned recognition for its expertise in high-altitude warfare and operations in extreme terrain.
Military officials said the ceremony highlighted the importance of regimental traditions within the Army and reflected the bond between serving soldiers and their leadership.
The appointment comes days before General Dwivedi is scheduled to retire from service.
The Centre has appointed Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, currently serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief of the Army Staff. He will take over from General Dwivedi on June 30.
An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and an officer from the Armoured Corps, Lt Gen Seth has served in a range of command, staff and instructional appointments during a military career spanning nearly four decades.
Officials said the transition in leadership will take place on June 30 upon the retirement of General Dwivedi after a career marked by key operational and strategic assignments within the Indian Army—(KNO)