Indian Army
Service Before Self
The Indian Army: The Shield of the Nation
The Indian Army, the land-based branch of the Indian Armed Forces, is one of the largest and most battle-hardened military forces in the world. Known for its valor, discipline, and indomitable spirit, the Indian Army stands as a symbol of national unity and strength. Its primary role is to safeguard the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India against external threats and internal disturbances. From the icy heights of the Siachen Glacier to the deserts of Rajasthan, Indian soldiers serve in some of the harshest environments on earth with unmatched dedication.
Origin and Historical Background
The Indian Army traces its roots back to the East India Company’s military forces established in the 18th century. It formally became the British Indian Army after 1857 and later transitioned into the Indian Army post-independence in 1947. Since independence, it has been at the forefront of national defense, participating in several wars and counter-insurgency operations:
First Indo-Pak War (1947–48) – Securing Jammu & Kashmir
Sino-Indian War (1962) – Defending against China’s incursion
Second Indo-Pak War (1965) – Protecting Punjab and Kashmir
Bangladesh Liberation War (1971) – Leading to the creation of Bangladesh
Kargil War (1999) – Evicting intruders from Indian territory
These operations showcase the Indian Army’s readiness and strategic capability in both conventional and modern warfare.
Organizational Structure
The Indian Army is commanded by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), a four-star general. The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Key Operational Commands:
Northern Command – Udhampur
Western Command – Chandigarh
Eastern Command – Kolkata
Southern Command – Pune
Central Command – Lucknow
South Western Command – Jaipur
Army Training Command (ARTRAC) – Shimla
Each command is led by a General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), overseeing operations in their respective regions.
Combat Arms and Regiments
The Indian Army is composed of several regiments and corps, each specialized in various terrains and warfare styles:
Infantry Regiments: Gorkha Rifles, Rajput Regiment, Sikh Regiment, Jat Regiment, Dogra Regiment, etc.
Armoured Corps: Equipped with T-90 Bhishma, Arjun MBT tanks
Artillery: Featuring advanced rocket systems, Bofors, and Dhanush howitzers
Engineers and Signals: Provide mobility, communication, and infrastructure
Army Aviation Corps: Operating helicopters for logistics, surveillance, and attack roles
Special forces such as the Parachute Regiment (Para SF) and National Security Guard (NSG) handle elite commando missions and counter-terrorism.
Technology and Modernization
The Indian Army is embracing technology to meet modern threats. Key developments include:
Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) for swift deployment
Network-Centric Warfare systems for real-time coordination
Indigenous weapons under Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)
Drones and unmanned systems for surveillance
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cyber warfare capabilities
Upgrades in artillery, communication systems, and personal gear are making the Indian Army more agile and responsive.
Humanitarian and Peacekeeping Roles
Besides combat duties, the Indian Army is widely respected for:
Disaster relief operations (floods, earthquakes, cyclones)
Evacuation missions during national emergencies
Peacekeeping missions under the United Nations across Africa and Asia
Infrastructure development in remote regions via the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
The Army's contribution during crises like COVID-19 or natural disasters further strengthens its image as the people’s force.
Training and Institutions
Training in the Indian Army is known for its toughness and excellence. Prestigious institutions include:
Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai & Gaya
National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune
Army War College, Mhow
Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS), Mizoram
These academies train cadets and officers in leadership, physical endurance, tactical warfare, and modern strategy.
Women in the Indian Army
Women have been serving in the Indian Army since 1992 in various roles. As of 2020, the Supreme Court of India granted permanent commission to women officers in several non-combat streams. Women now serve in:
Army Medical Corps
Judge Advocate General (JAG)
Signals, Engineers, Intelligence Corps
Military Police (recent combat-like role)
The inclusion of women is a significant step toward gender equality in India’s defense forces.
Motto and Ethos
Motto: “Service Before Self”
This defines the Army’s unwavering commitment to national duty above all personal interests. Soldiers live by principles of courage, sacrifice, integrity, and unity.
International Cooperation and Joint Exercises
To boost strategic ties and enhance military readiness, the Indian Army participates in joint exercises with nations like:
Yudh Abhyas (USA)
Hand-in-Hand (China)
Shakti (France)
Indra (Russia)
Nomadic Elephant (Mongolia)
These drills enhance interoperability and showcase India's military professionalism on a global stage.
Future Challenges and Vision
The Indian Army faces multiple challenges:
Securing long and sensitive borders with Pakistan and China
Tackling hybrid warfare, cyber threats, and terrorism
Managing high-altitude warfare and insurgency
To counter these, the Army envisions becoming a "future-ready, tech-enabled, agile force" capable of joint operations with Navy and Air Force.
Conclusion
The Indian Army stands as a pillar of national security and pride. Its rich legacy, unmatched bravery, and continued modernization ensure that it remains prepared for any challenge—be it war, peacekeeping, or disaster relief. As the country progresses on the global stage, the Indian Army continues to evolve, upholding its motto — “Service Before Self” — and securing the dreams and safety of over a billion Indians.
