Naravane said the Army would safeguard the 'core values which are enshrined in the preamble to the Constitution; that is justice, liberty, equality and fraternity'
The Indian Army chief's comments came at the annual press conference, where he said there was a parliamentary resolution that entire erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir is part of India
During his two-day visit to the areas under Northern Command, Naravane will also visit the Kashmir Valley
The Pakistan Foreign Office in a statement on Wednesday said, "We reject the new Indian Army Chief's irresponsible statement regarding 'pre-emptive strikes' across the LoC" inside PoK"
Gen Rawat had assumed charge as the 27th Chief of Army Staff on December 31, 2016 and retired from the post after a distinguished career. On Monday, he was appointed India's first CDS
'We will continue to improve capability building along the Northern border so we are prepared when the need arises,' he said
Outgoing Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat on Tuesday thanked all the army personnel and their families for extending full support to him in his three year tenure at the helm of the 1.3 million force. After a farewell Guard of Honour, Gen Rawat also hoped that the Army will rise to greater heights under the new chief Lt Gen M M Naravane. When asked wether the Army is better prepared now to face the security challenges facing the country he said: "Yes, we are better prepared.
The outgoing Army chief thanked all the army personnel and their families for extending full support to him in his three year tenure
Gen Rawat is retiring on Tuesday as Army Chief after a three-year stint. He is widely expected to be appointed as the country's first Chief of Defence Staff