NEW DELHI – Chief Gen M M Naravane on Tuesday exhorted Army men deployedalong borders with China, Pakistan and those fighting the “proxy war” inKashmir to remain vigilant round-the-clock, and assured that theiroperational and logistical needs will be met at any cost.
In a message to the 1.3-million-strong force on the eve of Army Day, hesaid the Indian Army has carved out a “special niche” in the nation’s mindspace and that it is not merely a combat outfit or an instrument ofnational power.
“It is also a valued institution of the country. We remain steadfast in ourresolve to uphold our values, ethos and the trust reposed in us by ourcitizenry,” he said.
The Army Chief called the decision of the government to create a Departmentof Military Affairs under a Chief of Defence Staff as a “seminal step” tofacilitate greater integration among the three services.
He noted that the primary responsibility of the Indian Army is to maintainoperational readiness of the “highest order” and asked all the personnel,particularly those guarding the borders with Pakistan, China and in Siachenglacier to remain vigilant “all the time.”
The Army Chief also asked those engaged in responding to the “complexchallenge of proxy war” and internal security situations to remain alert.
“I have no doubt that you shall ensure necessary operational ascendancywith respect to our western adversary, while displaying steadfastness andresilience along the Northern borders,” Gen Naravane said.
Read Top Stories
“On our part, we shall ensure that your operational and logistic needs, aremet at all costs. In our quest to remain sharp and contemporary, we havecarefully analysed the geo-strategic landscape and the evolving characterof war in emerging conflict situations,” he added.
Gen Naravane said the the Army has taken a number of steps towardsdoctrinal optimisation and capability enhancement to deal with emergingthreats.
On creation of military affairs department, he said it will enable greatercivil-military synergy, enhance productivity in strategic outcomes andfacilitate far greater integration amongst the three services.
“We remain committed to developing necessary operational synergy. TheIndian Army is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the principle ofgender equality,” Gen Naravane said, PTI has reported.
