General Manoj Pande Retires After 40 Years of Service

General Manoj Pande retired today after more than four decades of distinguished service, stepping down as the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS). His tenure will be remembered for maintaining a high state of combat readiness and pushing for the transformation of the Indian Army.

Focus on Operational Preparedness

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 firsthand.

Technological Transformation

He initiated a holistic transformation of the Indian Army, focusing on technological absorption under five distinct pillars. These initiatives aimed to make the Indian Army a modern, agile, adaptive, and technology-enabled force.

Atmanirbharta Initiative

General Pande emphasized the use of indigenous weapons and equipment, paving the way for the long-term sustenance of the Indian Army. He also promoted human resource development, positively impacting the lives of serving personnel, their families, and veterans.

Military Diplomacy

As COAS, he encouraged bilateral and multilateral exercises, seminars, and discussions. He instituted the Chanakya Defence Dialogue to analyze security challenges in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific. He also enhanced the scale and scope of annual exercises with partner nations.

Distinguished Career

General Pande’s military journey began at the National Defence Academy, and he was commissioned in December 1982 in the Corps of Engineers (The Bombay Sappers). He held important command and staff appointments in various operational environments. For his service, he received the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal.