India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Chief of the Army Staff, General V.K. Singh retires today from the Indian Army after a distinguished 42-year career. Prior to handing over formal charge to his successor general Bikram Singh, the army chief paid homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. He was also given a ceremonial guard of honour outside the army headquarters at South Block. He also addressed the media on issues related to the army. Commissioned in the 2nd batallion of Rajput Regiment on June 14, 1970, General Singh was the first trained commando to lead the Indian Army. In his 24-month tenure as the Army Chief, General Singh courted a bagful of controversies, ranging from dragging the government to Court over the issue of his age, letter leaks, bribery allegations, lack of defence preparedness, and most recently, issuing of a show-cause notice to Lt. Gen. Dalbir Singh Suhag who could lead the Army after two years. General Singh will be succeeded by Eastern Army Commander, Lt. General Bikram Singh, who will be the first Army Chief to lead the 1.3 million-force without having participated in a full-fledged war.

Army Chief to retire today