General Dalbir Singh retires after 43 years in service, says Indian Army prepared to meet any challenges

New Delhi: Indian Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag retired on Saturday after 43 years in service and handed over charge to his successor, General Bipin Rawat.

After inspecting a Guard of Honour at the South Block lawns here, Dalbir Singh said: “After 43 years of service to the nation I superannuate today. I salute the martyrs who made supreme sacrifices.”

He further said that the Indian Army is prepared to meet any challenges, adding that the force had focused on operational preparedness during his tenure.

He also thanked the government for providing a free hand and implementing OROP.

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Suhag noted that infiltration attempts had increased during the year and the number of terrorists killed too was nearly double the previous year.

He said that when he had taken over he had said that the response of Indian Army to any action against our interest would be immediate, adequate and intense.

The Indian Army has done that in the last two-and-half years, he said.