New Delhi: Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande on Sunday said that the Indian Army remains steadfast in maintaining a "robust posture" at the borders and is prepared to protect the country's territorial integrity at "all costs."
His comments come in the backdrop of the ongoing three-year border dispute with China in eastern Ladakh, reported PTI.
On the eve of the Army Day, Gen Pande said, "Each member of the 'Olive Green' fraternity is fully committed, with an unwavering resolve, to counter security threats to the nation."
"We continue to maintain a robust posture at the borders and stand prepared to protect our territorial integrity, at all costs," he said in a message aired on All India Radio, the PTI report added.
Gen Pande, without naming Pakistan, stated that the Army along with other security forces are dealing with the "proxy war" in Jammu and Kashmir with a professional approach.
"In combating proxy war in the hinterland, our professional approach and synergized operations with other security forces continue. The Indian Army has a vital role to play in ensuring a stable and secure environment, which is crucial for the nation's progress to continue unabated," he said, as per the report.
He further assured the nation that the Indian Army remains "steadfast as a guardian" of India's path to progress.
"Today, the nation is at the cusp of a new era. Collectively, we have envisioned to emerge as a developed nation when we celebrate the centenary milestone. I wish to assure the nation that the Indian Army remains steadfast, as a guardian of the nation's path to progress," he said.
"To prepare ourselves to be future-ready, we had set into motion a holistic transformation process last year. We have made good progress and many milestones have been achieved," he stated.
He said the transition towards becoming a modern, agile, adaptive, technology-enabled, and future-ready force shall continue as part of the transformation roadmap, reported PTI.
"The transition towards becoming a modern, agile, adaptive and technology-enabled, future-ready force, shall continue as part of our transformation roadmap," he said.
The Indian Army will be observing the year 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption' -- a theme which underscores our focus and effort to leverage technology, as a catalyst for transformative change, he said.
"The Indian Army has carved a special place for itself in the nation's mind space. The faith and encouragement shown by our countrymen further strengthen our pledge and commitment. Our fundamental character, core ethos, professionalism and fabric of discipline, will enable us to live up to the expectations of our citizens," he said
"We will forever remain steadfast and firm in our resolve to uphold the trust reposed in us, by the nation," he added, reported PTI.