Indian Army Day is celebrated every year on 15th January across the globe to honor the courage and dedication of the Indian Army (IA) soldiers.
- It is also known as Bhartiya Sena Diwas, the day commemorates the appointment of Field Marshal KM Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949.
Note: Indian Army was established in 1895, but it was not until 1949 that India had its first Army Chief.
15th January 2025, marks the observance of the 77th Indian Army Day.
The year 2025 has been declared as the ‘Year of Reforms’ for the Ministry of Defence (MoD), focusing on enhancing processes across the ministry and the three armed forces.
PM Modi Commissions INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer:
On the occasion of Indian Army Day 2025, Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi commissioned three significant naval combatants—Indian Naval Ship (INS) Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, Maharashtra, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), located in Mumbai.
- This remarkable event marked the first-ever tri-commissioning of a destroyer, frigate, and submarine together.
Key Points:
i.INS Surat, the fourth Visakhapatnam-class destroyer and the final ship of Project 15B, is a highly advanced guided missile destroyer with 75% indigenous content and state-of-the-art technology.
ii.INS Nilgiri, the first ship of Project 17A, is a next-generation stealth frigate designed by the Indian Navy (IN) with advanced survivability features.
iii INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, is the sixth submarine of the first batch of six Kalvari-class submarines for the Indian Navy, highlights India’s submarine construction expertise in collaboration with France’s Naval Group.
2025 Events:
For the first time, the Indian Army Day Parade was held in Pune, Maharashtra, at the BEG & Centre Parade Ground, Khadki.
i.The event featured a grand march past by eight regimental contingents, a “Know Your Army Mela” highlighting technological advancements, and the participation of the Women Agniveer Contingent, emphasizing inclusivity and empowerment.
ii.The Indian Army (IA) showcased its Multi-Utility Legged Equipment (MULEs), commonly referred to as robotic dogs.
- These advanced machines enhance operational capabilities in challenging terrains, reducing risks for soldiers. The Army recently added 100 robotic dogs to its arsenal, marking a step forward in technological innovation.
iii.Participation of the Nepali Army Band:
The Nepali Army Band participated in the parade for the first time, symbolizing the strong bonds between the Indian and Nepali armed forces.
- The band, comprising 33 members, including three women soldiers, performed with both a Brass and Pipe Band.Their performance showcased the cultural and musical ties between India and Nepal, highlighting the nations’ commitment to peace and stability.
Point to Note: PM Modi announced the approval and commencement of work on the Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra, with an investment of Rs 75,000 crore.
Key Facts:
i.India has established itself as the First Responder in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), reinforcing its leadership in regional security and humanitarian efforts.
ii.Defence production has crossed Rs 1.25 lakh crore, with exports to over 100 countries.
iii.Over the last decade, the Indian Navy has inducted 33 ships and 7 submarines, with 39 of 40 vessels built in Indian shipyards.
iv.India is constructing 60 large ships valued at around Rs 1.5 lakh crore.
