New Delhi, January 15
Indian Army’s focus has been on development of critical infrastructure and strengthening border infrastructure, said Army Chief General Manoj Pande while addressing the annual Army Day Parade in Lucknow on Monday. Today was the 76th Army Day.
On the present security situation, he said, “ The situation is under control on our western borders in Jammu and Kashmir, but continued infiltration attempts make it clear that terrorist infrastructure still exists across the border (in Pakistan).”
Highlighting the military prowess of Indian Army, he said it was ready to transform into a future ready, technology driven, lethal and agile force. General Pande said time-bound deliverables have been identified under the five pillars of the ‘transformation roadmap’. The Army has focussed on force restructuring and optimisation, technology infusion and making systems, processes and functions more effective.ADVERTISEMENT
General Pande also awarded 15 gallantry awards and 23 unit citations in recognition of valour and meritorious service.
Also a military and combat display ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ was organised at Lucknow Cantonment. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan were present at the event.
The minister added: “The country is now witnessing how our military is continuously being equipped with modern weapons/technologies powered by drones and artificial intelligence.”
Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to commemorate the achievements of the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa. On this day, Gen Cariappa, who led Indian forces to victory in the 1947 war with Pakistan, took over the command of the Indian Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949.