New Delhi, Army Chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday said the Indian Army stands firm to counter any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo along the borders.
"India's desire for peace is borne out of its inherent strength and it should not be mistaken otherwise," said Naravane.
"Our response to such attempts has been swift, calibrated and decisive, as was seen when the situation so demanded. We have also instituted additional safeguards to prevent any further attempts," he added.
In an apparent hint to China, the Army Chief said the "differences, perceptions and disputes are best resolved through established norms based on the principal of equal and mutual security."
Gen Naravane was delivering his message to the nation on the eve of 74th Army Day on January 15. The message of Army Chief was broadcast in English and Hindi on state-owned radio and TV platforms- DD National and AIR platforms.
He said the Indian Army has resolutely executed its responsibility and was steadfast in safeguarding the security and territorial integrity of the nation during the past one year.
"Our active borders were guarded with resolve and resilience. Our brave JCOs, officers and soldiers have faced adversaries and adversity with courage and fortitude, even to the extent of laying down their lives in the highest traditions of the Indian Army," he said, while saluting the bravehearts, who made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
The Army Chief also highlighted the sacrifices made by the veer naris and their families.
Gen Naravane said the actions of the Indian Army have demonstrated their capability and willingness to strike at the source of terrorism, in an apparent reference to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
"Institutional mechanisms and safeguard to counter state sponsored terrorism have been further strengthened, both along the border and hinterland and have proven effective in lowering the levels of violence," he said.
The Army Chief further said that the demand for future warfare require a technologically savvy, well equipped and modern force capable of thriving in multi domain operations, adding that force modernisation and restructuring were being undertaken steadily in the Army.
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