‘We Are Better Prepared’: Outgoing Army Chief General Bipin Rawat On Challenges At Pakistan, China Border

Outgoing Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, who will be taking over as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on Wednesday (January), has reiterated that the Indian Army is better prepared to take on the challenges at Pakistan and China border.

Addressing the media on Tuesday morning after paying tribute at the National War Memorial in Delhi, General Bipin Rawat conveyed his best wishes to his successor General Manoj Naravane who will be assuming the office as the 28th Army chief. He further said, "Confident he will take Army to greater heights.”

The outgoing Army chief further said, “Today as I demit the office of Chief of Army staff, I wish to convey my gratitude to the soldiers, rank and file of Indian Army who have stood steadfast under challenging circumstances.”

On being asked whether the Indian Army is better prepared to take on the challenges at Pakistan and China border, General Rawat said, “Yes, they are better prepared.”

Speaking on his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff, General Rawat stated that he will plan his strategy for the new role after assuming the position. "The position Chief of Army Staff has many responsibilities. Till now, I was concentrating on my obligations as Chief of Army Staff. Now that I will have a new designation, I will sit and plan a strategy for future. I will fulfill my role as Chief of Army Staff till the handover," he told reporters.

Earlier, in the day, General Bipin Rawat paid tribute to the National War Memorial in the national capital. It is worth mentioning here that Lieutenant General Manoj Mukund Naravane will take over as the next chief of Army staff today. He is currently serving as vice-chief of the army.

Also Read: Army Chief General Rawat Pays Tribute At National War Memorial, To Take Over As CDS On January 1

Coming back to General Bipin Rawat, as the CDS, the outgoing Army chief would be in direct contact with the Prime Minister on security issues. The chiefs of the Army, Navy and the Air Force will report to General Bipin Rawat. He would head the Department of Military Affairs and paid a salary equivalent to a service chief. The United States and Maldives were among the first countries that congratulated General Rawat on his appointment.

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