Great honour for me to lead the world's finest army: Gen. Dalbir Singh Suhag (Amended)

New Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag today said that it was a matter of great honour for him to lead the bravest and the finest army in the world.

General Dalbir Singh Suhag took over as the new Chief of Army Staff yesterday, succeeding outgoing Chief of Army Staff (Rtd) General Bikram Singh. General Suhag also received the Guard of Honour at South Block earlier today.

General Suhag said, "It is with a sense of pride and humility that I assume the responsibility of the office of the Chief of Army Staff. It is a matter of great honour for me to lead the bravest and the finest army in the world. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the government for reposing faith in me."

General Dalbir Singh Suhag also said it would be his endeavour to take the army to greater heights.

He said, "My focus will be my soldier. I'll ensure that our soldiers are motivated, comfortable and competently led and trained and are provided with latest weapons and equipment required for the assigned task."

Commenting on his predecessor General (Rtd) Bikram Singh's statement that the Army gave a befitting reply to the beheading of an Indian soldier, General Suhag said, "Our response to any such act will be more than adequate in the future and it will be intense and immediate."

General Suhag, 59, a Gurkha officer who had participated in the 1987 Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) operation in Sri Lanka, will formally assume office today.

He will have tenure of 30 months as the 26th Chief of Army Staff.