Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi emphasised the Five Pillars of Transformation—Technology Absorption, Structural Changes, Human Resource Development, and Increasing Cohesion between the Three Services—while delivering the valedictory address at the Higher Defence Management Course (HDMC-20) at the College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad. He provided a holistic roadmap for the Indian Army’s evolution into a future-ready combat force. A Vision for a Future-Ready Army Gen Dwivedi reiterated the Army’s commitment to becoming a technologically advanced, adaptive, and self-reliant force. He advocated a shift from a process-driven approach to an outcome-driven one, focusing on the measure of effectiveness over the measure of performance. He elaborated on the three phases of transformation: Era of Transition Era of Consolidation Era of Control Strategic Alignment & National Security Gen Dwivedi underscored the necessity for the armed forces to be mobile, agile, and technologically competent, contributing to national security and the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 through Atmanirbharta (self-reliance). He reaffirmed the military’s role as a key pillar of national power and a preferred security partner in the region. Higher Defence Management Course (HDMC-20) The ceremony marked the successful completion of HDMC-20 by 167 officers from the Indian Armed Forces, including 14 officers from friendly foreign nations. HDMC is a premier programme aimed at equipping senior military officers with strategic foresight, management expertise, and decision-making acumen for higher defence roles. The COAS encouraged officers to be imaginative, adaptable, and uphold the values of Truth, Trust, and Transparency in tackling future challenges. Felicitations & Conclusion The COAS felicitated meritorious officers for their outstanding performance, acknowledging their academic excellence and contributions. The valedictory ceremony was attended by senior military officials, faculty members, and distinguished guests, reinforcing the significance of the course in shaping future strategic leaders. The graduating officers are now prepared to take on critical command and staff roles, furthering their commitment to national security and higher defence management.