Tag: Indian army chief

  • ‘Certain countries are trying to alter the status quo by force’: General MM Naravane

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Chief of the Indian Army General MM Naravane, on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, pointed towards the hegemonic approach of certain nations that are reportedly working to change the international status quo, without naming any country in particular.

    In Eastern Ladakh, China has been involved in a tense standoff with its forces based at Line of Actual Control disregarding the agreements and understandings related to the LAC.General MM Naravane, in a seminar, praised the India-Bangladesh boundary resolution and also pointed out that there are countries that are disregarding the territorial integrity of other nations.“The historic land boundary agreement between our nations has set a unique example on how to resolve border disputes through mutual negotiations and a concerted outlook,” said the Army Chief. “This at a time when certain countries are trying to alter the status quo by force bypassing traditional norms and protocols and with complete disregard to the territorial integrity of others.”China not only disregarded the agreements with India on the LAC but has also been involved in maritime boundary contests in the South China Sea with various other nations. 

    There are around 60,000 troops positioned at high altitude locations of the LAC along the Eastern Ladakh since clashes between the soldiers of the two countries took place in May 2020. In addition, China has been building up its troop positions and habitat all along the LAC. India has also fast-paced its infrastructure towards the Northern borders and has been continuing with precautionary deployment all along the LAC.The Army Chief was speaking at a seminar on ‘India-Bangladesh: 50 years of friendship’ organized by Delhi-based thinktank Centre for Land Warfare Studies. “Such agreement as that between ours epitomizes the three ‘M’s – Mutual respect, trust and commitment to the rules-based order.”

    Speaking at the Occasion the High Commissioner of Bangladesh H.E. Mr Muhammad Imran said, “India has experienced adverse situations in some of the states close to Bangladesh but since assumption of power in 2009 the Government of PM Sheikh Hasina has offered all-out support. It ensured that no one gets to use Bangladeshi soil to harm any neighbouring country. Bangladesh has resolved to not tolerate terrorism, radicalism in any form and not to allow her soil to be used for this purpose.”

    After ratification of the historic Land Border Agreement by India on June 6, 2015, the legal exchange process involved 162 enclaves (111 Bangladeshi enclaves with a total area of 17,160 acres and 51 Indian enclaves covering a gross area of 7,110 acres) was completed by August 1, 2015.

  • Army Chief Gen Naravane holds talks with his Nepalese counterpart

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Army Chief Gen MM Naravane on Tuesday held extensive talks with his Nepalese counterpart Gen Prabhu Ram Sharma, focusing on ways to expand bilateral military cooperation in the backdrop of evolving security scenario in the region.

    Gen Sharma’s four-day visit to India comes amid increasing concerns over the possible impact of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan on the regional security scenario.

    Officials said Gen Naravane and Gen Sharma exchanged views on further strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries besides deliberating on the regional security scenario.

    Ahead of the talks, the Nepalese Army Chief laid a wreath at the National War Memorial.

    He was also given a Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns.

    Gen Sharma also separately met Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari with a broad focus on further boosting bilateral defence cooperation, the officials said.

    The Indian Air Force tweeted that issues of mutual interest and ways to enhance avenues for bilateral defence cooperation were discussed by the two chiefs.

    In continuation of an age-old tradition that started in 1950, Gen Sharma is set to be conferred with the honorary rank of ‘General of the Indian Army’.

    Nepal conferred the honorary rank of ‘General of Nepal Army’ to Gen Naravane during his visit to Kathmandu in November last year.

    Nepal is important for India in the context of its overall strategic interests in the region, and leaders of the two countries have often noted the age-old “Roti Beti” relationship.

    Land-locked Nepal relies heavily on India for the transportation of goods and services.

    Nepal’s access to the sea is through India, and it imports a predominant proportion of its requirements from and through India.