Indian Army Chief Criticised for Religious Visit Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan
New Delhi, May 31 – Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is facing mounting criticism after appearing in uniform at a Hindu ashram, a move that has sparked concerns over the erosion of the secular and apolitical stance traditionally upheld by the Indian military.
General Dwivedi visited the ashram of Hindu spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, prompting backlash from senior journalists, analysts, and former military personnel who argue that such acts risk politicising the armed forces.
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Former Indian Army officer and journalist Sushant Singh was among the first to react publicly. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Singh wrote, “Civil-military relations are strained when military leaders align with partisan religious agendas, undermining the apolitical ethos of India’s secular armed forces.”
Visit Follows Cross-Border Escalation
The controversy comes at a particularly delicate time—just days after a four-day military flare-up between India and Pakistan, triggered by an attack on Indian tourists in Pahalgam, located in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The assault claimed 26 civilian lives, with India swiftly blaming Pakistan, although no evidence has yet been made public.
The brief but intense conflict ended on May 10, following U.S.-brokered ceasefire negotiations. During the confrontation, Pakistan launched “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos”, reportedly targeting several Indian military installations. Pakistan claimed to have downed six Indian Air Force jets, including three Rafales, as well as dozens of drones.
When questioned about the losses, Indian Air Marshal AK Bharti offered a terse response: “Losses are a part of combat,” without further elaboration.
Violation of Military Conduct?
General Dwivedi’s temple visit has reignited concerns over a possible breach of military norms. The Indian Army had previously issued directives warning personnel against displaying religious symbols or visiting religious institutions while in uniform, to preserve the military’s secular image.
Critics argue that Dwivedi’s public religious engagement, especially in uniform, undermines those guidelines and could damage public trust in the institution’s neutrality.
Wider Implications
With civil-military relations already under scrutiny, the Indian Army Chief’s actions have raised alarms about the possible alignment of the armed forces with certain ideological or religious narratives. Analysts warn that such moves could compromise operational cohesion and morale, particularly within India’s religiously diverse military ranks.
The Ministry of Defence has yet to issue an official statement regarding the controversy.
As diplomatic efforts continue in the wake of the Indo-Pakistani flare-up, the spotlight remains on General Dwivedi’s conduct and its broader implications for civil-military dynamics and institutional neutrality in one of the world’s largest democracies.
