A day after revealing rare inside details of the four-day military confrontation under Operation Sindoor, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) spotlighted the often-unseen but critical role played by Indian Army veterans during the operation.
Addressing the 10th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day celebrations in Jaipur, the Army chief shared that veterans provided “invaluable assistance” and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with serving troops at a decisive moment for national security.
“You all provided invaluable assistance during Operation Sindoor and played a leading role in serving the nation shoulder-to-shoulder with the Indian Army. The nation salutes your courage,” General Dwivedi said, drawing sustained applause from the gathering of veterans and their families.
From the battlefield to nation-building
COAS General Dwivedi also stressed that the contribution of veterans does not end with retirement. He said many former soldiers continue to serve the nation across social, administrative and developmental fields, keeping alive the spirit of service and sacrifice.
“Even after retirement, many of you have kept the flame of national spirit alive, making significant contributions to the nation’s development and upholding the honour of the Army through social service,” he noted.
COAS calls Army veterans custodians of military legacy
Describing veterans as the moral backbone of the Armed Forces, the COAS called them torchbearers of military traditions and guiding lights for future generations. “You are the custodians of the Armed Forces’ legacy, providing moral direction and inspiration to those who will wear the uniform tomorrow,” he said, underlining the continuity between serving soldiers and veterans.
With this, he emphasised that the Armed Forces operate as one integrated ecosystem, where the line between serving personnel and veterans disappears whenever the nation calls. Every veteran was once an active soldier, and every soldier will one day become a veteran.
“Our responsibility and commitment transcend time and rank,” COAS General Dwivedi underlined, adding that veterans have always stood by the country in moments of crisis.
Army veterans and Viksit Bharat vision
Linking veterans’ experience to India’s long-term national goals, General Dwivedi said their role will be even more critical as the country moves towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. The COAS explained how Army veterans play an important role when it comes to India achieving the Viksit Bharat vision.
“As India advances towards the goal of Viksit Bharat, your experience, integrity and nationalistic thinking become invaluable assets for the nation,” he said, positioning veterans as key stakeholders in India’s future journey.
Further, General Dwivedi highlighted the scale of the Armed Forces community, describing it as a family of nearly 1.25 crore people, encompassing serving personnel, veterans, their dependents, widows and families of martyrs. He recalled a shared commitment with veterans to ensure dignity and recognition for their service.
Why Veterans’ Day matters
Armed Forces Veterans’ Day is observed every year on January 14, marking the birth anniversary of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, India’s first Commander-in-Chief of the Army. General Dwivedi said the day symbolises the nation’s enduring gratitude to its soldiers and their families.