NEW DELHI, 1 Jul: The Indian Army is ready and capable to face all current and future security challenges facing India, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Gen Upendra Dwivedi said on Monday amid the lingering border row with China in eastern Ladakh.
A day after he assumed charge of the 1.3 million-strong force, Gen Dwivedi said that working towards ensuring synergy among the Army, Air Force and the Navy would be one of his priorities.
In remarks to the media after inspecting a guard of honour at the South Block in Raisina Hills, he said that the Army is facing “unique operational challenges,” and that to remain prepared for such threats, it is crucial to continue equipping the soldiers with latest weapons.
“I am fully conscious of the responsibility assigned to me and I assure the country and fellow citizens that the Indian Army is fully capable and ready to face all current and future challenges,” he said.
The newly-appointed Army chief said also that he will encourage induction of indigenously-built military hardware into the force to boost self-reliance in defence.
“The geo-political landscape is changing rapidly and technology is evolving at a very fast pace,” he said.
“The Indian Army faces unique operational challenges, and to remain prepared for such threats and distinctive requirements, it is crucial that we continuously equip our soldiers with state-of-the-art weapons and technology and continue to evolve our warfighting strategies,” he added.
Gen Dwivedi said that the Indian Army is on the “path to transformation” and it aspires to be self-reliant in defence.
“To achieve this, we will encourage indigenous initiatives and induct maximum war systems and equipment that are manufactured in our country,” he said.
Gen Dwivedi said he would focus on ensuring that the Army is ready to operate in the “full spectrum of conflict.”
“It will be my endeavour to ensure that the Indian Army is always ready to operate in the full spectrum of conflict, maintaining complete synergy with the Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and other stakeholders,” he said.
“This will ensure that India’s interests are secured and we become a major pillar of nation-building to achieve the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat-2047’,” Gen Dwivedi said.
The Army chief said that it is a matter of immense pride for him to lead the force. “This is a moment of immense pride and honour for me to be assigned the responsibility to lead the Indian Army,” he said.
“The glorious traditions of the Indian Army rest on the legacy of valour and sacrifice of our soldiers. On this occasion, I pay my solemn tributes to the bravehearts who made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty,” he added.
The Army chief said he is fully committed to protect the interests of all the personnel in the force, and to extend full support to ex-servicemen and their families.
“It will be my priority to ensure that the interests and welfare of all ranks and defence civilians of the Indian Army are looked after,” he said.
“My responsibility towards veterans, veer naris and their families is a sacred commitment and I assure this extended family my full support,” he said.
Gen Dwivedi briefly spoke to a group of religious leaders ahead of his ceremonial welcome at South Block. (PTI)