Bhubaneswar: General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), superannuated today, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning over four decades. His tenure is noted for significant achievements in combat readiness, transformative initiatives, and promoting the Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) campaign.
During his time as COAS, General Pande prioritized operational preparedness along the Northern and Western borders, frequently visiting forward areas in Jammu & Kashmir, Eastern Ladakh, and the North East to assess the situation and boost morale among the ranks.
Under his leadership, the Indian Army embarked on a holistic transformation, focusing on technological absorption across five distinct pillars. These initiatives have set the stage for the Army’s evolution into a modern, agile, and technology-enabled force.
General Pande’s strong advocacy for indigenous weaponry and equipment under the Atmanirbharata initiative has paved the way for sustainable advancements within the Army. His focus on human resource development positively impacted personnel, their families, and veterans.
He also encouraged military diplomacy through bilateral and multilateral exercises and played a pivotal role in establishing the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, addressing security challenges in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. The Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC) was another highlight of his tenure, enhancing cooperation with partner nations.
General Pande’s military journey began at the National Defence Academy, and he was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers (The Bombay Sappers) in December 1982. His career featured various critical command and staff roles in diverse operational settings.