Since India got independence on August 15 in 1947, Indian Armed Forces have stood rock solid to protect the Indian borders. The country has repeatedly faced attacks from its neighbouring countries like China and Pakistan and also has been facing terrorism both externally and internally. But despite all these disrupting situations, the Indian Armed Forces and the overall military has evolved and developed in a big way and today is one of the best and most highly equipped unit in the world.
Fourth-largest in the world
The Indian Army is the fourth largest army in the world with the top 3 countries the US, Russia, and China grabbing the first three spots respectively. Incidentally, the Defence of Japan in 2019 reported that Indian Army is now the world’s largest ground force and has left China behind. The Indian Army also has the responsibility of handling Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield in the world.
India has never initiated a war
India’s global image is that of a peace-maker and despite fighting five major wars with Pakistan and China, none of them were ever initiated by India. The country has only retaliated when it was attacked by the enemy nations. In the last more than 70 years the Indian Army was also forced to undertake several operations to protect its interests and had to fight with the enemies as well as terrorists. Operation Meghdoot (1984), Operation Vijay (1999), and Balakot airstrike (2019) are some of the strikes that were successfully carried out by the Indian Army.
Progressive approach of Indian Army
The Indian Army started inducting women officers in 1992 initially for just five years and later on a permanent basis after the Supreme Court granted the permission. The rules and regulations are the same as applicable to their male counterparts. The Ministry of Home Affairs allowed the inclusion of transgenders into the paramilitary forces in 2020.
India today has some of the best aircraft like Rafale Jets and Tejas Aircrafts as a part of its armoury. These aircrafts played a major role in India’s victory against Pakistan in Kargil War.