Indian Army Prepared, Security Firm: Chief of Army Staff
Chief of Army Staff briefs on security, operations, and transformation.
Photo by Sakarie Mustafe Hidig
Key Facts
Operation SINDOOR: Response to cross-border terrorism
Terrorists neutralized in 2025: 29
HADR: Army rescued over 30,000 people
Focus: Jointness, Atmanirbharta, Innovation
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas; Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs on Army's role, Assertion-Reason questions on security challenges, Analytical questions on modernization and indigenization.
Visual Insights
Indian Army HADR Operations - Key Statistics (2026)
Key statistics highlighting the Indian Army's role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in 2026.
- People Rescued in HADR Operations
- 30,000+
- Decline in Terrorist Recruitment (J&K)
- Approx. 25%
Demonstrates the Army's capacity to respond to disasters and save lives. Important for assessing disaster management capabilities.
Indicates improved security situation and effectiveness of counter-terrorism measures in Jammu & Kashmir. Relevant for internal security analysis.
More Information
Background
The Indian Army's origins can be traced back to the East India Company's armies, which were gradually consolidated and reorganized under British rule. The formal establishment of the modern Indian Army is often linked to the mutiny of 1857, after which the British Crown took direct control. Post-independence, the Army played a crucial role in integrating princely states and defending India's borders in conflicts such as the 1947-48, 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars.
Over the decades, the Army has evolved from a primarily infantry-based force to a more technologically advanced and diversified military, incorporating artillery, armored corps, aviation, and special forces. Its role has expanded beyond conventional warfare to include counter-insurgency operations, disaster relief, and peacekeeping missions under the UN.
Latest Developments
In recent years, the Indian Army has focused on modernization and indigenization of its equipment, driven by initiatives like 'Make in India' in the defense sector. The emphasis is on acquiring advanced technologies, including drones, artificial intelligence, and cyber warfare capabilities. The creation of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) and the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) are significant steps towards promoting jointness among the three services.
Furthermore, the Army is actively involved in border infrastructure development, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Future outlook involves enhanced focus on hybrid warfare, information warfare, and strengthening partnerships with friendly nations for regional security.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding Operation SINDOOR, as recently mentioned in the context of the Indian Army: 1. It is a joint operation with a neighboring country to counter-terrorism. 2. It primarily focuses on addressing cross-border terrorism. 3. It involves only intelligence gathering and no direct military action. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Operation SINDOOR, as per the news, showcases India's response to cross-border terrorism. It is not explicitly mentioned as a joint operation, and the nature of the response implies more than just intelligence gathering.
2. With reference to the evolution of the Indian Army, consider the following events: 1. Annexation of Punjab 2. Sepoy Mutiny 3. Integration of Princely States 4. Establishment of Department of Military Affairs Arrange these events in chronological order, starting from the earliest:
- A.1-2-3-4
- B.2-1-3-4
- C.1-3-2-4
- D.3-1-2-4
Show Answer
Answer: A
The correct chronological order is: Annexation of Punjab (1849), Sepoy Mutiny (1857), Integration of Princely States (1947-49), Establishment of Department of Military Affairs (2019).
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the 'Transformation' endeavors of the Indian Army, as highlighted in the news?
- A.They focus on jointness, self-reliance, and innovation.
- B.They are structured across five pillars, including force restructuring and modernization.
- C.They primarily aim to reduce the Army's role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
- D.They involve efforts towards indigenization of defense equipment.
Show Answer
Answer: C
The news emphasizes the Army's role in HADR, rescuing over 30,000 people. Therefore, the transformation endeavors would not aim to reduce this role.
4. Assertion (A): Sustained engagement contributes to normalization in the Northern Front. Reason (R): The Northern Front requires constant vigilance due to geopolitical factors and territorial disputes. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
- C.A is true, but R is false.
- D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why sustained engagement is necessary for normalization in the Northern Front.