NEW DELHI, May 1: The chief of the army staff General Manoj Pande on Sunday said his utmost priority would be to ensure very high standards of operational preparedness at all times underlining that the geopolitical situation was fast changing and that there were several challenges ahead. He also stressed the need for taking forward modernisation of the forces with the 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 talking to journalists after reviewing a Guard of Honour on the lawns of South Block said. Chiefs of other Services, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari and Navy chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar were also present. All the three services chiefs are happened to be course-mates from the 61st course of the National Defence Academy.
When asked about the significance of the presence of other Chiefs, Gen. Pande said they grew up together in their formative years. “I have known the other two Service chiefs well. It’s a good beginning of synergy, cooperation and joint-manship among the three Services,” he said assuring that they would work together and take things forward in the cause of national security and defence.
Gen. Pande assumed charge as the 29th Chief of the Army Staff on Saturday. On force modernisation, he said his efforts would be to leverage new technologies through indigenisation. “Effort will be to leverage new technologies and further Atmanirbharta.”
(Manas Dasgupta)