Stating that the geopolitical situation is fast changing and there are several challenges ahead of us, Army Chief General Manoj Pande said on Sunday that his utmost priority would be to ensure very high standards of operational preparedness at all times while also taking forward modernisation with focus on indigenisation.
“Utmost priority would be to ensure very high standards of operational preparedness to face current, contemporary and future challenges across the spectrum of conflict,” Gen. Pande told journalists after reviewing a Guard of Honour on the lawns of South Block. Gen. Pande assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Army Staff on Friday.
On force modernisation, the Army Chief said, “Effort would be to leverage new technologies through indigenisation and self-reliance,” in addition to focus on ongoing reforms, restructuring and transformation of the Army to enhance its operational and functional efficiency.
“The Army has also contributed to nation building. I would like to assure through you that the Indian Army will be fully committed to the values of freedom, liberty and equality,” he stated.
Chiefs of other Services, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari and Navy chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar were also present at the Guard of Honour. The three Chiefs are coursemates, from the 61st course of the National Defence Academy.
Synergy, cooperation
When asked about the significance of the presence of other Chiefs, Gen. Pande said he had known them well and it was a good beginning of synergy, cooperation and jointmanship among the three Services while assuring that they would work together and take things forward in the cause of national security and defence.
“Three of us have trained together in our formative years. Not only that later as we grew in service, we have had occasions to work together. We are fortunate that once again we have got this opportunity and chance to work together,” Gen. Pande added.
Gen. Pande assumed charge at a time when the standoff with China is continuing along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh while the war in Ukraine and tensions between Russia and the West have added new challenges in terms of continued support and maintenance for the Indian armed forces among other things.
On Sunday, Lt. Gen. B.S. Raju assumed charge as the Vice-Chief of the Army Staff. With this, the Army will have its Chief from the Corps of Engineers and Vice Chief from the Infantry.
Gen. Pande was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers (The Bombay Sappers) in December 1982. Lt. Gen. Raju was commissioned into the JAT Regiment in December 1984.
