General Bipin Rawat on Tuesday, 31 December, said that the Indian Army is “better prepared” to take on the challenges at Pakistan and China border. He also conveyed his gratitude to the soldiers, rank and file of the Indian Army on Tuesday, 31 December, as he demitted office as the Chief of Army Staff.

When asked whether the Army is better prepared now to face the security challenges facing the country, he said: "Yes, we are better prepared."

Rawat was on Monday, 30 December, appointed India's first Chief of Defence Staff with a mandate to bring in convergence in functioning of the army, the navy and the air force, and bolster the country's military prowess.