General Manoj Naravane retires as Army chief, Prez Kovind, Rajnath bid him adieu

General Manoj Mukund Naravane retired from four-decade long service in the army, being succeeded by General Manoj Pande who took over as the Army chief.

General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday retired from service, ending his term as the army chief. General Manoj Pande has succeeded him as the new army chief.

Outgoing Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane with President Ram Nath Kovind and First Lady Savita Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. (Right) General Naravane with defence minister Rajnath Singh. (Twitter/Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rajnath Singh)

On the occasion, the outgoing army chief called on President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Rashtrapati Bhavan on its Twitter handle posted picture of the former Army chief and his wife with President Ram Nath Kovind and the First Lady.

Later, General Naravane also met defence minister Rajnath Singh. “Had a wonderful meeting with the Army Chief, General MM Naravane, who is going to retire today after serving the nation for 42 years. His contributions as a military leader has strengthened India’s defence capabilities & preparedness. I wish him success in his future endeavours,” the minister tweeted.

Naravane was succeeded by General Manoj Pande, who took over as the Army chief on Friday. Before taking over the top military post, he had served as the vice army chief after taking charge from Lieutenant General CP Mohanty who retired in February.

General Pande is the first army officer from the Corps of Engineers, also called ‘Sappers’ to hold the top post. He will hold the post of Army chief for two more years. According to rules, the army chiefs serve for a period of three years or till the age of 62, whichever is earlier.

General Manoj Pande takes charge at a time when the Army is facing multiple challenges including tensions with China along the borders.