New Delhi, July 31 : Lieutenant General Dalbir Singh Suhag took over as the next Chief of Army Staff here on Thursday, succeeding outgoing Chief of Army Staff General Bikram Singh.

Lt. Gen Suhag, 59, a Gurkha officer who had participated in the 1987 Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) operation in Sri Lanka, will formally assume office on August 1.

He will have a tenure of 30 months as the 26th chief of army staff.

Outgoing Chief of Army Staff General Bikram Singh had earlier today visited the Amar Jawan Jyoti before demitting office.

After paying tribute to the martyred Indian soldiers, Gen. Singh wrote a few words in the visitor's book before departing from the venue.

He had said that Indian soldiers are prepared for the line of duty and are up for any challenge. (ANI)