New army chief Gen Naravane talks about ‘eventual solution’ to China border issue
General Naravane took charge as the chief of 1.3 million strong Indian army on Tuesday, succeeding Gen Bipin Rawat who has been named as India’s first Chief of Defence Staff.
General Manoj Mukund Naravane, a day after taking over as the country’s new Army chief, said that India needs to pay more attention to its border along China and asserted that the force is capable of dealing with any security challenge.
“We have been giving attention to our western front in the past. The northern front now also requires an equal amount of attention... The Army is capable of tackling any dangers to the country,” General Naravane told reporters after receiving the first Guard of Honour as the Army chief in New Delhi.
On the border dispute with China, the Army chief said that continuing peace along the border will pave the way for a solution.
“We have been able to maintain peace and tranquillity along borders and I’m sure that situation will prevail. By maintaining this, we will be able to set the stage for the eventual solution,” he said.
Watch: New Army chief Gen Naravane on Pakistan, Art 370, China & CDS post
General Naravane also said that operational readiness and modernisation will be among the top priorities of the Army under his leadership.
“Our priority will be to be operationally prepared at all times. We will pay special attention to respect human rights,” General Naravane said on Wednesday.
“I pray to Waheguru ji to give me courage and strength to perform my duties as the chief of Army Staff. All three services are ready to defend the country,” he further said.
General Naravane took charge as the chief of 1.3 million strong Indian Army on Tuesday, succeeding General Bipin Rawat who has been named India’s first Chief of Defence Staff.
He is considered a China expert and has vast experience in counterterror operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the north-east.
Given India’s security challenges in Kashmir and the north-east, and the strategic competition with China, his experience will carry great value in national security decision-making.
The 59-year-old general will serve in the top position for two years and four months. Service chiefs can serve for a maximum term of three years or till they attain the age of 62, whichever is earlier.
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