In his debut public appearance as the Army chief, General Manoj Pande emphasized the importance of being prepared to address any challenges or conflicts in the evolving global geopolitical landscape. He specifically mentioned the Army’s commitment to maintaining the status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and preventing any territorial losses in the standoff with China.
Pande expressed his goal of reducing tensions along the LAC and restoring the status quo as quickly as possible. He highlighted the need for the Indian Army to be ready to handle various challenges in coordination with the Navy and Air Force.
Following a Guard of Honour ceremony at the South Block, Pande emphasized the significance of ensuring high operational readiness to face current and future conflicts. He stressed the importance of leveraging new technologies through indigenization and self-reliance, as well as focusing on ongoing reforms to enhance operational efficiency.
The Army chief underscored the Indian Army’s commitment to principles of freedom, independence, and equality, highlighting its contributions to nation-building and security. Pande, the first Army Chief from the Corps of Engineers, emphasized the opportunities for officers from all branches to develop leadership skills.
Pande, who took over as the 29th Army Chief from Gen MM Naravane, faces the challenge of managing tensions along the border with China, particularly in eastern Ladakh. Despite some troop withdrawals, unresolved issues persist, making dialogue essential for finding a resolution.
In a statement to the ANI news agency, Pande described the situation along the LAC as “normal” and emphasized India’s firm stance on maintaining the status quo and territorial integrity. He highlighted the ongoing dialogue with China as a means to resolve issues and stressed the importance of infrastructure development and capability enhancement.
Reflecting on lessons from past conflicts, Pande emphasized the importance of preparing for conventional warfare while also focusing on non-kinetic means like information and cyber warfare. He emphasized the need to build capabilities to address future conflicts effectively.
