The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, visited the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp (RDC) at Delhi Cantt on January 14, 2026. Quoting Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, COAS described the youth as the "Face of New India" and emphasised that they represent the country's most powerful demography, capable of driving national transformation through discipline, purpose and commitment.

The COAS highlighted the significant contribution of NCC cadets in recent years, citing Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of India's resilience, during which over 75,000 NCC cadets volunteered nationwide in civil defence, hospital management, distribution of relief material and community service. Emphasising modernisation, he applauded the new measures included in cadet training, like the introduction of drone training, participation in national initiatives such as Puneet Sagar Abhiyan, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Ek Ped Maa ke Naam, International Yoga Day and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, and disaster preparedness training of 94,400 cadets across 315 districts in 28 states under the Yuva Aapda Mitra scheme. He also highlighted that more than 35,000 cadets have done attachment training with army units and military hospitals across the country.

In his concluding remarks, the Chief of Army Staff endorsed that the NCC remains a vital pathway to the armed forces, noting the enrolment of more than 150 cadets into military training academies this year. He called upon the youth to embrace self-reliance in thought, technology and character, and to actively engage in national security, innovation and nation-building through initiatives such as Army Cells in IITs and the Indian Army Internship Programme 2025–26. Urging cadets to rise with confidence, march with discipline and serve with dedication, he asserted that a strong, self-reliant and developed India will be built by its youth.

General Dwivedi lauded the cadets for an impeccable turnout and exemplary conduct, highlighting the crisp display of the Guard of Honour, the band performance by The Scindia School, Gwalior, the flag area presentation and the vibrant cultural programmes by cadets which showcased India's unity in diversity.

As part of the event, he also visited the 'Flag Area', prepared and presented by NCC cadets, showcasing the rich cultural heritage, historical legacy and developmental progress of their respective states, and the NCC 'Hall of Fame'. Cadets further demonstrated their creativity and technical acumen through static and functional ship models and aeromodelling.