Indian Army ready for all challenges: New chief

Concurring with the concerns expressed by Defence Ministry over Chinese military modernisation plans, new Army Chief Gen VK Singh today said that the forces would stand up and measure up to any challenge that the nation faced.

Concurring with the concerns expressed by Defence Ministry over Chinese military modernisation plans, new Army Chief Gen VK Singh today said that the forces would stand up and measure up to any challenge that the nation faced.

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"The concern expressed is correct....Through you, I would like to pass it on to our countrymen that our army -- and it is their army -- will stand up to and measure up to any challenge that the nation will face," he told reporters here before assuming office.

He said the government had provided an increase in the allocation for the Army in this year's budget and "our effort would be to utilise it to be well prepared."

Asked how the Indian Army measured up vis-a-vis the Chinese Rapid Action Force, Singh said: "I can assure you that for any challenges that are against us, we are very well prepared."

He noted that preparation was an ongoing process and that the Army would ensure its training methodologies became more practical keeping all challenges in mind.

The Defence Ministry has, in its annual report for 2009-10, said it was "conscious and alert" about China's military modernisation and infrastructure development in Tibet and adjoining areas. The report said the ministry has taken "necessary steps" to restructure its force levels along the border.

Earlier, Singh took the salute from 2 Rajput Regiment, the battalion he had commanded as a Colonel.