Outgoing Army chief Bipin Rawat on Tuesday said that the Indian Army is better prepared to tackle challenges at Pakistan and China border.
“Yes, they are better prepared. I thank all the soldiers of the Indian Army who supported me in the last three years of my tenure,” Rawat added.
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Rawat, who has been named as the first chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on Monday, was given a ceremonious farewell ceremony on Tuesday.
After paying his respects at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on Tuesday, Rawat expressed his gratitude to the soldiers of the Indian Army for serving the country selflessly and with dedication.
“I express my gratitude to all soldiers who have stood steadfast under challenging circumstances, performing their duties, keeping the traditions of our armed forces,” he added.
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He also congratulated and expressed his best wishes to his successor Lieutenant General Manoj Naravane who will now take over as the Army Chief.
Rawat, who will now take over as CDS, said that he is focused on restructuring and modernizing the Indian Army.
As the CDS, General Rawat will further focus on the better synergy between the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Republic Day speech this year promised of establishing the top military post.
The post of CDS was formally established on December 24 and releasing the charter and duties of the CDS the government said that the post would be occupied by a four-star officer from the Indian defence service.
The CDS will be the ‘first among equals’ with respect to the three service chiefs, all four-star officers themselves who will retain the operational command of their respective forces.