Core values will be focus: Incoming Army Chief

He identified work culture and core values of the army as key areas that he will focus on after taking over the top position. He refrained from any controversial remarks in his first public comments on the eve of taking charge from Gen V K Singh.

In the interview,Lt Gen Singh said he will ensure operational preparedness of the army and address “hollowness” when it comes to the slow pace of modernisation.

“(My priority is to) strengthen the army’s work culture and the core values,namely,duty,honour,loyalty,integrity,respect and selfless service,” he said,adding that he will ensure commanders “create a climate during their tenures” that is based on professional ethos and core values.

While he refused to comment on contentious issues like Siachen and Kashmir,Singh said he was of the view that the army should get deployed in internal security situations only as an “instrument of last resort”.

“It needs to be remembered that our prolonged employment in such situations (internal security) impacts adversely on our conventional war-fighting capabilities and is,therefore,best avoided,” Singh said.

He said the army is “fully prepared” to counter any threat to the nation,be it external or internal. “Let us uphold our

cherished core values so that we can continue to remain one of the most potent,responsive and accountable instruments of national power,” he said.

He will assume charge as General on Thursday with the traditional handing over of the baton at South Block. A guard of honour will be presented to the outgoing Army Chief.