Focus on ‘internal health’: New Army Chief

Gen VK Singh, who officially took charge as the 26th Chief of the Indian Army on Thursday stressed that the internal health of the armed forces has to be improved if it is to successfully meet the challenges.

Speaking to reporters shortly after assuming the office, Gen Singh said, “It’s a moment of pride for me and I feel humbled to become the chief of our distinguished Army. Through you (media) I would like to assure the whole nation that our armed forces will firmly stand up to any challenge that our nation faces in future.”

When questioned about how he intends to deal with the rising cases of corruption in Indian Army and involvement of several top officers in scandals and scams (Sukna scam), Gen Singh said, “The values and ethos of the Indian Army must be maintained. I will focus attention on improving "internal health" of the force to weed out corrupt practices.”

When quizzed about Indian Army’s stand vis-à-vis China’s military preparedness, Gen Singh remarked, “Indian Army is well prepared to face any threat from China,”