Defence minister A.K. Antony on Monday expressed full confidence in Army Chief Gen. V.K. Singh, amid earlier speculation about the continuation of Gen. Singh in office in the wake of the Supreme Court order upholding the government’s contention in the date of birth (DoB) case of the Army Chief.

The defence minister also expressed happiness that the “controversy” had ended and said it should be treated as a closed chapter.

“The government has confidence in the present chief (Gen. Singh) and that was conveyed in the Supreme Court also. Everything is clear and we have confidence in him,” the minister said.

“I am very happy that this very unfortunate controversy is over,” Mr Antony said, while appealing to colleagues and everyone around to treat the issue as a “closed chapter”. He added, “Let us all work together to strengthen national security. For us, national interest is supreme.”

Mr Antony’s statement indicates that the government is keen to let Gen. Singh complete his tenure and retire on May 31, so as to avoid any further controversy and ensure a smooth transition to the next officer who will be appointed as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Gen. Singh is likely to take a final view on his future course of action once he returns from an official visit to Britain that began on Monday. Gen. Singh is expected back in the capital by February 20. Mr Antony, meanwhile, left for an official visit to Saudi Arabia.