The INDIAN ARMY

The Indian Army  is the land based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. Its primary mission is to ensure the national security and

defence of the Republic of India from external aggression and threats, and maintaining peace and security within its borders. It also conducts humanitarian rescue operations during natural calamities and other disturbances.

The Indian Army came into being when India gained independence in 1947, and inherited most of the infrastructure of the British Indian Army that were located in post-partition India. It is a voluntary service and although a provision for military conscription exists in the Indian constitution, it has never been imposed.

Since independence, the Army has been involved in four wars with neighboring Pakistan and one with the People’s Republic of China. Other major operations undertaken by the Army include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot and Operation Cactus. Apart from conflicts, the Army has been an active participant in United Nations peacekeeping missions.

The President of India serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Army. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), a General, is a four star commander and commands the Army. There is never more than one serving general at any given time in the Army. Two officers have been conferred the rank of Field Marshal, a 5-star rank and the officer serves as the ceremonial chief.

With about 1,414,000 soldiers in active service and about 1,800,000 reserve troops, the Indian Army is the world’s second largest active standing army.

History

A Military Department was created in the Supreme Government of the East India Company at Kolkata in the year 1776, having the main function to sift and record orders relating to the Army issued by various Departments of the Govt of East India Co

The British Indian Army was a critical force in the primacy of the British Empire in both India, as well as across the world. Besides maintaining the internal security of the British Raj, the army fought in theaters around the world – Anglo-Burmese Wars, Anglo-Sikh Wars, Anglo-Afghan Wars, Opium Wars in China, Abyssinia, Boxer Rebellion in China. It is no coincidence that the decline of the British Empire started with the Independence of India.

In the 20th century, the British Indian Army was a crucial adjunct to the British forces in both the World Wars.

1.3 Million Indian soldiers served in World War I (1914–1918) for the Allies after the Britain made vague promises of self-governance to the Indian National Congress for its support. Britain reneged on its promises after the war, following which the Indian Independence movement gained strength. 74,187 Indian troops were killed or missing in action in the war.

In World War II (1939–1945), 2.582 Million Indian soldiers fought for the Allies, again after British promises of independence. 87,000 Indian soldiers died in the war.

Conflicts and Operations

First Kashmir War (1947)

Inclusion of Hyderabad (1948)

Liberation of Goa, Daman and Diu (1961)

Sino-Indian Conflict (1962)

Indo-Pakistani War of 1965

Indo-Pakistani War of 1971

Siachen conflict (1984)

Counter-insurgency activities

Kargil conflict (1999)

Major Exercises

Operation Brasstacks `in november 1984