Indian Army

Flag of Indian Army

RML7pounderMountanGunHazaraBattery1895

Error creating thumbnail:

Hodsons Horse France 1917 IWM Q 2061

Error creating thumbnail:

0129

Op Polo Surrender

Indian Army

The Indian Army is the land-based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Army, and its professional head is the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who is a four-star general. The primary mission of the Indian Army is to ensure national security and unity, defend the nation from external aggression and internal threats, and maintain peace and security within its borders. It conducts humanitarian rescue operations during natural calamities and other disturbances and can also be requisitioned by the government to cope with internal threats. The Indian Army is a major component of the national power alongside the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force.

History

The history of the Indian Army dates back to ancient times, with numerous references to armies and military exploits in Indian epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. The modern Indian Army originated from the armies of the East India Company, which eventually became the British Indian Army. After India gained independence in 1947, the nation's military was divided between India and Pakistan. The Indian Army has been involved in several wars and conflicts since independence, including the Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1947, 1965, and 1971, the Sino-Indian War of 1962, and the Kargil War in 1999. It has also participated in numerous United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Structure

The Indian Army is organized into various arms and services, including the Infantry, Armoured Corps, Artillery, Engineers, Signals, and several support arms and services. It is structured into seven operational commands, each headed by a Lieutenant General. These commands are further divided into divisions, brigades, and units. The Army Training Command (ARTRAC) oversees training, while the Army Headquarters in New Delhi functions as the administrative and operational headquarters.

Personnel

The Indian Army is a volunteer force and has a strength of over 1.2 million active personnel and 960,000 reserve troops. The recruitment process is rigorous, and the army provides extensive training to its soldiers at various training centers and institutions across the country. The Indian Army is known for its strict regimen, discipline, and professionalism.

Equipment

The Indian Army is equipped with a wide range of modern weapons and equipment, including tanks, armored vehicles, artillery guns, and advanced small arms. It has been focusing on modernizing its forces and has undertaken several procurement and upgrade programs to enhance its combat capabilities. The army also operates several indigenous weapons systems, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Operations

The Indian Army has been involved in a variety of operations, both within India and abroad. These include counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeastern states, counter-terrorism operations, and peacekeeping missions under the United Nations. The army has also been deployed for disaster relief operations during natural calamities like floods, earthquakes, and cyclones.

Challenges and Future

The Indian Army faces several challenges, including managing long-standing border disputes with neighboring countries, countering insurgency and terrorism, and modernizing its forces. The government and the army leadership are focused on enhancing the operational capabilities of the army through modernization and reforms. The Indian Army continues to play a crucial role in ensuring the security and stability of the region.