New Delhi, December 31

The Army is “better prepared” to face any challenge that may come up at India’s borders with Pakistan and China, Gen Bipin Rawat said on Tuesday, noting that the Army’s restructuring and modernisation were among his biggest achievements during his tenure as the Army chief.

General Rawat had assumed charge as the 27th Chief of Army Staff on December 31, 2016, and retired from the post on Tuesday after a distinguished career. On Monday, he was appointed India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

During an interaction with reporters after receiving a ceremonial farewell, Gen Rawat was asked if the troops were better prepared and equipped to face challenges at the borders with Pakistan and China, with him at the helm of the Army for three years, and he said, “Better prepared… I would say, yes”.

He was given a Guard of Honour in the forecourt of the South Block at the Raisina Hill complex here.

Before becoming Army Chief, he handled various operational responsibilities in many areas, including along the LoC with Pakistan, the LAC with China and in the northeast.

Responding to another question on what he counted as the biggest achievement during his tenure as the Army Chief, General Rawat said, “My focus was on the Army’s restructuring, weapon system modernisation and non-contact warfare. And, I endeavoured to do the best.” Some of the major artillery gun systems, including the M777 American Ultra Light Howitzers and the K-9 Vajra, and the Sig Sauer assault rifles were inducted into the force in his tenure. — PTI