- “We will stand firm against any attempt to unilaterally change the ‘status quo’ at our borders, as is evident from the fact that the Army was swift and decisive in its response, while at the same time, preventing the stand-off from escalating further.”
- “There is no change in the status quo. We are hoping that, based on the principle of mutual and equal security, we will be able to reach an agreement, which will result in disengagement and de-escalation — disengagement from friction areas and then an overall de-escalation in strength of troops from the border areas.”
- “We are committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy. However, our desire for peace and tranquillity should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness.”
- “I am confident that our military character built on secular credentials, robust discipline and astute professionalism will continue to strengthen us in meeting the aspirations of an emerging India. We will forever remain firm in our resolve to uphold the trust reposed in us by the nation.”
- “As far as capability development is concerned, all around development has taken place. We have signed many contracts — weapons and gear to infantry, communication, engineering systems… it has been all around development and each arm and services have got what they need.”
- “The Army is in the middle of restructuring and are transforming from manpower to technology-intensive force, and we are looking at blockchain, big data, artificial intelligence and quantum computing. We are fully committed to various integrated commands. We will calibrate for smooth transition.”
- “Pakistan and China together form a potent threat and the threat of collusivity cannot be wished away.”
- “I too read the report. I would like to say that the sample size for the report was only 400. I think it was not an adequate sample size. If you want a 99 percent accuracy with 1 percent margin of error, then the size of the samples should have been 19,000 for such a study.” Gen Naravane responded to a question on the USI report on stress in Indian Army.
- “Lot of progress has been made on monetisation of land. We have got permission to acquire equal value infrastructure for land. Under this policy, we will take forward the monetisation of land. Because of the COVID-19 situation, land prices have come down. Because of that we are waiting. We will take it forward when the situation improves. It will be a good thing for three services as we will be able to acquire equal value infrastructure for unused land.”
- “We have also got the necessary budgetary support for the contracts that were signed as part of the acquisition plan.”
- “I am also glad to say that more than 80 per cent to 85 per cent of the contracts which are signed are made by Indian companies as part of our efforts to indigenise.”
- “Last month, I had initiated a proposal that women officers can be recruited to Army Aviation. The next course which will begin in July this year, will induct women for training purposes in flying branch and after one year they will be able to join in operational duties.”
- “Strong response is being given to the enemy on the other border. Pakistan continues to provide safe haven to terrorists. In the training camps, across the LoC around 300-400 terrorists are ready to infiltrate.”
- “There was an increase of 44 per cent in the ceasefire violations last year which is proof of Pakistan’s sinister plans. There were also attempts to smuggle weapons using drones.”
