Army chief praises role of soldiers
NEW DELHI, May 19: Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan today visited strategically important military bases of Suratgarh in Rajasthan and Naliya in Gujarat and commended the troops for maintaining high state of operational readiness.
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The Pakistani military attempted to target both the bases during the military confrontation between the two sides recently.
In his interaction with the troops, Gen Chauhan also complimented the synergy among the three services during Operation Sindoor.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) emphasised on the need to remain ever prepared for responding to any challenge with “decisive force”, according to the Defence Ministry.
“To boost the morale of the Armed Forces, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan paid a visit to the strategically important Suratgarh military station and Naliya Air Force Station today,” it said.
Gen Chauhan also emphasised the importance of operational readiness and resilience in the face of evolving security challenges, it said.
“He commended the operational preparedness and high morale of the personnel and expressed confidence in their ability to respond effectively to future threats,” the Ministry added.
The CDS was accompanied by Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, Army Commander of South Western Command, and Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of South Western Air Command.
“The visit was marked by a spirit of pride in recognition of the exemplary courage displayed by soldiers during Operation Sindoor,” the Ministry said in a statement.
Gen Chauhan was apprised of the robust Air Defence Systems deployed in the operation.
The CDS lauded the “exceptional valour and professionalism” of the soldiers during the active phase of Operation Sindoor, the ministry said.
Highlighting their selfless dedication, resolute courage and steadfast commitment in neutralising multiple attempts by the western adversary of breaching the security, he said that the troops upheld the highest standards of military professionalism.
Meanwhile, Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi today visited Longewala in the forward areas of Rajasthan, where he interacted with troops and congratulated them for their “exemplary role” in the success of Operation Sindoor, officials said.
He also reviewed the joint actions undertaken in coordination with the Indian Air Force and the Border Security Force, they said.
Joint actions of the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force and the Border Security Force during Operation Sindoor not only “blunted enemy intent” but also established a “new normal” in maintaining operational dominance along the western front, the officials said.
The western front had faced attack from Pakistan military, including waves of drone assault into Indian air space after the strategic action by India early on May 7 in retaliation of the Pahalgam attack.
As part of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army undertook rapid deployment of surveillance assets and air defence systems, in close coordination with the IAF and BSF, a senior official said.
On the western front, the desert stretching from Jaisalmer to the Kutch region witnessed a “swift and coordinated operational response” from the three forces.
“These joint actions not only blunted enemy intent, but also established a new normal in maintaining operational dominance along the western front. The calibrated positioning of weapon systems and other operational enablers, aligned with civil administration support, ensured effective area domination and neutralisation of potential threats,” the senior official added.
During his interaction with soldiers of the Konark Corps, the Army chief acknowledged their valour, unwavering commitment, and dogged determination in defending the international boundary.
Gen Dwivedi praised the troops for their vigilant actions, including the “successful neutralisation of enemy drone incursions”, which effectively prevented any misadventure by the adversary in the desert theatre, the senior official said.
He highlighted the Indian Army’s tradition of honour and its unflinching readiness to “meet future challenges with decisive force”, reaffirming the force’s commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and ensuring high operational preparedness amid a dynamic security environment, the official said.
Appreciating the fortitude of men and women serving in the harsh desert terrain amid peak summer conditions, Gen Dwivedi conveyed his and the nation’s admiration for their unrelenting service in defence of national objectives, the official said. (PTI)
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