China’s aggressive stance along the eastern Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh frontier, with 1.4 lakh troops deployed, is the main operational challenge for new Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi. He also faces increased militancy in J&K, especially in Poonch-Rajouri. Dwivedi, familiar with threats from China and Pakistan, aims to fast-track Army modernization and address operational gaps, including air defense and night-fighting capabilities. Additionally, the controversial Agnipath scheme’s soldier retention rate may need adjustment.