1 minInstitution
Institution

Indian Army

What is Indian Army?

The Indian Army is the land-based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. The President of India serves as the Supreme Commander. It is responsible for maintaining national security and defending the country's borders.

Historical Background

The Indian Army traces its origins to the armies of the British East India Company. It was officially established in 1895. After independence in 1947, it became the army of the Dominion of India and later the Republic of India.

Key Points

8 points
  • 1.

    The primary mission is to ensure national security and unity, defending the nation from external aggression and internal threats.

  • 2.

    Organized into various commands, corps, divisions, and regiments.

  • 3.

    Participates in peacekeeping operations under the United Nations.

  • 4.

    Plays a crucial role in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance during natural calamities.

  • 5.

    Recruits personnel through various entry schemes, including the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination.

  • 6.

    Maintains a strong focus on modernization and technological advancement.

  • 7.

    Operates under the command of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

  • 8.

    Adheres to the principles of secularism, professionalism, and discipline.

Visual Insights

Indian Army: Structure and Functions

Illustrates the key aspects of the Indian Army, including its structure, functions, and relationship with other institutions.

Indian Army

  • Structure
  • Functions
  • Recruitment
  • Modernization

Evolution of the Indian Army

Shows key milestones in the evolution of the Indian Army from its origins to recent developments.

The Indian Army has evolved significantly since its establishment, playing a crucial role in defending the nation and maintaining internal security.

  • 1895Officially established as the Indian Army
  • 1947Becomes the army of the Dominion of India after independence
  • 1962Sino-Indian War
  • 1971Indo-Pakistani War
  • 1999Kargil War
  • 2016Surgical Strikes
  • 2019Balakot Airstrike
  • 2024Increased focus on cyber warfare capabilities
  • 202678th Army Day celebrated outside military cantonment in Rajasthan

Recent Developments

5 developments

Increased focus on indigenization of defence equipment under the 'Make in India' initiative.

Modernization of weaponry and equipment with advanced technologies.

Enhanced cooperation with other countries through joint military exercises.

Emphasis on cyber warfare capabilities and information security.

Reforms in recruitment processes and career management.

Source Topic

78th Army Day Celebrated Outside Military Cantonment in Rajasthan

Polity & Governance

UPSC Relevance

Important for UPSC Prelims and Mains (GS Paper 3 - Security). Questions can be asked about its role, structure, modernization efforts, and challenges.

Indian Army: Structure and Functions

Illustrates the key aspects of the Indian Army, including its structure, functions, and relationship with other institutions.

Indian Army

Chief of Army Staff (COAS)

Maintaining National Security

National Defence Academy (NDA)

Indigenization of Defence Equipment

Connections
Indian ArmyStructure
Indian ArmyFunctions
Indian ArmyRecruitment
Indian ArmyModernization

Evolution of the Indian Army

Shows key milestones in the evolution of the Indian Army from its origins to recent developments.

1895

Officially established as the Indian Army

1947

Becomes the army of the Dominion of India after independence

1962

Sino-Indian War

1971

Indo-Pakistani War

1999

Kargil War

2016

Surgical Strikes

2019

Balakot Airstrike

2024

Increased focus on cyber warfare capabilities

2026

78th Army Day celebrated outside military cantonment in Rajasthan

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