Indian Army II Army Day - 15 Jan 2025
Indian Army Day is celebrated annually on 15th January every year to commemorate the appointment of General (later Field Marshal) K. M. Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949.
Army Day is celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows in the national capital New Delhi as well as in all headquarters. On 15 January 2025, India celebrated its 77th Indian Army Day in Pune. Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens. While celebrations take place across the country, the main Army Day parade is conducted in Cariappa Parade ground in Delhi cantonment.
Gallantry awards and Sena medals are also awarded on this day. Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees participate in the Army Day parade every year. Military hardware, numerous contingents and a combat display are part of the parade.
Armed Forces Veterans’ Day. Celebrated annually on 14th January to honor the service and sacrifices of Indian armed forces veterans. It marks the retirement of KM Cariappa in 1953.
Historic Moments.
2020 - Delhi: Captain Tania Shergill became the first female officer to command an Army Day parade.
2024 - Lucknow. “Our military focusses on tradition, along with bringing a positive change through new innovations” A military and combat display 'Shaurya Sandhya' was organised at Lucknow Cantonment in Uttar Pradesh
2025 – Pune. 'Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena' (Capable India, Empowered Army). Indian Army Day 2025 Theme will focus on modernisation, public engagement and inclusivity. The theme aims to highlight the importance of modernisation and operational improvement in the army. The focus areas of these themes are:
Incorporating artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities and robotics in order to identify threats and conflicts posed by enemies.
Upgrading and improving the surveillance and infrastructure facilities in regions like Ladakh and Northeast that are critical in nature.
Focus is being shifted on self-reliance in the defence manufacturing sector and startups are being given the support for the same.
Joint exercises, strategic cooperation and knowledge exchange is being practised in order to improve international ties strategically.
Year of Defence Reforms. The Indian government has declared 2025 as the "Year of Defence Reforms," aiming to integrate the theatre commands, enhance tri-services synergy, streamline military procurement, and promote indigenous capabilities.
