General Dalbir Singh, Chief of Army Staff stressed on the need for greater synergy between the three services for success on the battlefield while addressing the army on the occasion of the 67th Army Day in New Delhi on Thursday.
“Jointmanship to achieve greater synergy in operations with our sister services remains fundamental for achieving success on the battlefield and we are working towards greater integration,” he said.
While emphasising on the need for preserving peace in Jammu & Kashmir, General Singh pointed that the army should focus on its main mandate of conventional war.
“Fragile peace in J&K has been achieved at great cost, together we need to build on our gains. Concurrently, we need to focus on our primary role through adequate conventional preparedness," he said.
Stating that cyberspace has emerged as a new form of warfare, the Army Chief said appropriate measures have been put in place to protect India’s networks.
“Cyberspace has emerged as the new domain of warfare where we are constantly under threat. We have put a robust Cyber Defence Architecture in place to protect our networks,” he added.
General Singh revived a parade by the army in which the army showcased their combat skills and war manoeuvres. The parade also saw the participation of an all women contingent for the first time.
On the occasion of the Army Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi saluted the courage and valour of the Army.
"On Army Day, I salute the indomitable courage and valour of our army. We are extremely proud of their dedication and determination," Mr. Modi said in a statement.
January 15 of every year is celebrated as the Army Day in commemoration of the appointment of Lt Gen KM Cariappa (later Field Marshal) as India’s first Commander-in-Chief of the Army post Independence in 1949.
New Initiative
In a new initiative aimed at recognizing and awarding innovation among youth Mr. Modi, on Thursday presented Certificates of Excellence to eight young innovative officers of the Army during the "at-home function" at the residence of the Chief of Army Staff, on the occasion of Army Day.
The certificates were presented for unique innovations done by officers, in areas such as reconnaissance, monitoring and greater facilitation for soldiers in combat conditions.