A day after assuming charge of the 1.3 million-strong force, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said on Monday that the Indian Army is ready to face all current and future security challenges, particularly amid the ongoing border row with China in eastern Ladakh. He acknowledged the unique operational challenges the Indian Army is currently facing and stressed the importance of equipping the soldiers with the latest weapons to remain prepared for such threats. Speaking to the media after inspecting a guard of honour at the South Block in Raisina Hills, he underlined that ensuring synergy among the Army, Air Force, and Navy would be one of his top priorities, reinforcing the strength of India’s defence forces.
“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 also said that he would encourage the induction of indigenously built military hardware into the force to boost self-reliance in defence.
“The geopolitical 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 war-fighting strategies,” he added.
Gen Dwivedi said the Indian Army is on the path to transformation, and it aspires to be ‘Atmanirbhar’ (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. Gen Dwivedi has taken over as the 30th Chief of Staff of the Indian Army from Gen Manoj Pande following his superannuation on 30th June.
Team BharatShakti
