INDIA: Army showcases its might in one of the biggest war exercises in western state

Record ID: 1374188

  • Title: INDIA: Army showcases its might in one of the biggest war exercises in western state
  • Date: 4th May 2012
  • Summary: BIKANER, RAJASTHAN, INDIA (MAY 03, 2012) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (ANI-NO ACCESS BBC) INDIAN ARMY HELICOPTERS PERFORMING THE WAR EXERCISE HELICOPTER FLYING IN THE AIR AN ARMY TANK MOVING WAR EXERCISE IN PROGRESS ARMY TANKS MOVING AN ARMY OFFICER STANDING ARMY OFFICERS TAKING LYING AND POSITION ARMY VEHICLES MOVING AN ARMY OFFICER LANDING WHILE PRAGLIDING SMOKE EMANATING FROM A SHELL CAN (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) CHIEF OF INDIAN ARMY, GENERAL VIJAY KUMAR SINGH, SAYING: "Today, you haves seen 'Exercise Shoorveer'. This is the biggest exercise of the south-western command and this is part of the transformation campaign that is being undertaken by the Indian army is undergoing with. And this is an important step towards this campaign." (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) CHIEF OF INDIAN ARMY, GENERAL VIJAY KUMAR SINGH, SAYING: "As far as army is concerned, if they have to fight a war then they would fight with whatever arms and ammunitions that they have, they would fight with full valour and love for nation. If we want to make enhance our army, then we along with the standing committee will try our best to meet the requirements of the army on time." (SOUNDBITE) (English) CHIEF OF INDIAN ARMY, GENERAL VIJAY KUMAR SINGH, SAYING: "Entire issue is a very complicated issue it is not so simple that you can start finding simple solutions. Solutions have to be found within the parameters of probity and transparency. And I am quite sure that the process that has started it will help in cleansing up of whatever is happening." (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) CHIEF OF INDIAN ARMY, GENERAL VIJAY KUMAR SINGH, SAYING: "Every person assumes office with a certain mindset and if that person is able to accomplish few things during his tenure then a person feels happy. So we are happy that we have been able to do several things and we are happy about it." CONVOY OF GENERAL VIJAY KUMAR SINGH LEAVING
  • Embargoed: 29th June 2012 17:42
  • Keywords:
  • Location: India
  • Country: India
  • Topics: Conflict,Defence / Military
  • Reuters ID: LVA5Z3FJ9I5Y5GK8HNF2ORRFMOPP
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
  • Story Text: Indian army exhibited its might as they carried out one of the biggest war exercises in Bikaner city of western Rajasthan state on Thursday (May 03).
    In recent times Indian army has carried out around three war exercises in which thousands of officers took part and practiced new techniques to combat any eventuality.
    Chief of Indian Army, General Vijay Kumar Singh told reporters that this exercise was an important step in the direction of transformation of the army.
    "Today, you haves seen 'Exercise Shoorveer'. This is the biggest exercise of the south-western command and this is part of the transformation campaign that is being undertaken by the Indian army is undergoing with. And this is an important step towards this campaign," said General V K Singh.
    More than 5000 officers participated in the exercise which was carried out in the deserts of the Bikaner and Hanumangarh districts. During the six-day exercise, which started on April 30, the soldiers upgraded their skills.
    General V K Singh had earlier expressed his concern over the possession of obsolete arms by the Indian army in a letter which he wrote to Indian Prime minister Manmohan Singh and the letter was leaked in media.
    "As far as army is concerned, if they have to fight a war then they would fight with whatever arms and ammunitions that they have, they would fight with full valour and love for nation. If we want to make enhance our army, then we along with the standing committee will try our best to meet the requirements of the army on time," said General V K Singh.
    Singh told reporters that steps were now initiated to effectively combat corruption that is prevalent in the army, while referring to the hue and cry surrounding the procurement of Tatra heavy-duty trucks for the army.
    "Entire issue is a very complicated issue it is not so simple that you can start finding simple solutions. Solutions have to be found within the parameters of probity and transparency. And I am quite sure that the process that has started it will help in cleansing up of whatever is happening," added General V K Singh.
    Army chief rubbished reports of his joining politics after his retirement from the army.
    General V K Singh's tenureon May 31 and most likely successor to his office would be Eastern Army commander Lt-General Bikram Singh.
    Incumbent army chief while told reporters that he held no grudges against anyone and his tenure has ended on a happy note as he was able to achieve few of things, which he had aimed for before he assumed the office.
    "Every person assumes office with a certain mindset and if that person is able to accomplish few things during his tenure then a person feels happy. So we are happy that we have been able to do several things and we are happy about it," said General V K Singh.
    General V.K Singh, who heads the world's second largest standing army, has already been involved in a row with the government over his retirement age.
    The row stems from the fact that the defence ministry treats May 10, 1950, the date entered in Singh's services entrance exams, as his date of birth. This would mean he would now retire in May when he turns 62.
    Singh, however, maintained that May 10, 1951, the date mentioned in his school certificate, be taken into consideration, thus giving him an extra year in office.
    Army chief Singh took a case against the government to the Supreme Court in a row about whether he could serve another year before retiring. He later withdrew his plea.
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