In New Delhi [India], General Manoj Pande, retired today after more than four decades of distinguished service, resigned from the appointment of Chief of Army Staff (COAS). His tenure will be remembered for his high state of combat readiness, his drive for the transformation process, besides his strong drive for Atmanirbharta initiatives, the Defense Ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
The statement added that General Manoj Pande, as COAS, gave top priority to operational preparedness along the northern and western borders. He frequently visited forward areas in Jammu and Kashmir, eastern Ladakh and the northeast, taking first-hand note of the operational preparedness and morale of all ranks.
General Manoj Pande initiated a holistic transformation of the Indian Army, focusing on technological absorption under five distinct pillars. Measurable progress has been made through these technological initiatives, which will continue to guide the Indian Army towards its transformation into a modern, agile, adaptable, technology-enabled and future-ready force, he added.
His emphasis on adaptation of indigenous weapons and equipment under the 'Atmanirbharata' initiative paved the way for the long-term sustenance of the Indian Army. He drove human resource development initiatives that positively impacted the lives of service personnel, their families and the veteran fraternity, according to the release.
As COAS, he promoted bilateral and multilateral exercises, seminars and debates. Under his leadership, the Chanakya Defense Dialogue was instituted to carry out a comprehensive analysis of security challenges in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. Additionally, he gave due diligence to military diplomacy by holding the Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conference (IPACC) and enhancing the scale and scope of annual exercises with partner countries, he added.
The General Officer's military career of more than four decades began at the National Defense Academy. He was commissioned in December 1982 in the Corps of Engineers (The Bombay Sappers). He held important and challenging command and staff appointments in different operational environments.
For his illustrious service, the General Officer has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
The statement added that General Manoj Pande, as COAS, gave top priority to operational preparedness along the northern and western borders. He frequently visited forward areas in Jammu and Kashmir, eastern Ladakh and the northeast, taking first-hand note of the operational preparedness and morale of all ranks.
General Manoj Pande initiated a holistic transformation of the Indian Army, focusing on technological absorption under five distinct pillars. Measurable progress has been made through these technological initiatives, which will continue to guide the Indian Army towards its transformation into a modern, agile, adaptable, technology-enabled and future-ready force, he added.
His emphasis on adaptation of indigenous weapons and equipment under the 'Atmanirbharata' initiative paved the way for the long-term sustenance of the Indian Army. He drove human resource development initiatives that positively impacted the lives of service personnel, their families and the veteran fraternity, according to the release.
As COAS, he promoted bilateral and multilateral exercises, seminars and debates. Under his leadership, the Chanakya Defense Dialogue was instituted to carry out a comprehensive analysis of security challenges in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. Additionally, he gave due diligence to military diplomacy by holding the Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conference (IPACC) and enhancing the scale and scope of annual exercises with partner countries, he added.
The General Officer's military career of more than four decades began at the National Defense Academy. He was commissioned in December 1982 in the Corps of Engineers (The Bombay Sappers). He held important and challenging command and staff appointments in different operational environments.
For his illustrious service, the General Officer has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
