President Murmu, PM Modi, Rajnath Singh extend wishes on 77th Army day

NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, commended the Indian Army for its unparalleled contributions to national security, its commitment to combating terrorism, and its dedication to encouraging peace and prosperity in the country on the occasion of the 77th Army Day.

The President said in her address to the Indian Army, “I extend my warm felicitations to the Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day 2025. The Indian Army plays a pivotal role in ensuring national security. Our soldiers contribute to creating a peaceful environment in the country for its progress and prosperity. The courageous army personnel have consistently displayed extraordinary courage and high standards of professionalism in defending our borders. The Indian Army has been involved in anti-terrorism operations and has been instrumental in containing terrorism”.

Her message to the Army also conveyed, “A grateful nation pays tribute to the brave hearts who sacrificed their lives in service of the nation. The nation is indebted to them and their families. I wish the Indian Army continued success in all its endeavours and convey my best wishes to its gallant soldiers, veterans, and their families.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to the Indian army on the occasion of 77th Army Day on January 15. In a message to the soldiers on the occasion of Army Day 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the brave hearts and said the nation is proud of their “indomitable courage and sacrifice”.

“Heartiest greetings of Army Day to the brave soldiers of the Indian Army, ex-servicemen, brave women and family members. The country is proud of the indomitable courage, sacrifice and incomparable dedication of its soldiers towards the nation”, read the message.

“The Indian Army’s dedication and ability to face various challenges professionally has set high standards of service. Our army has a glorious history of dealing with the inaccessible borders of the country, disaster situations and internal difficulties. As an organized, disciplined and strong force, the Indian Army has established a unique identity in the world”, it added further.

Mentioning innovative steps being taken as per the need PM said, “With changing times, the Indian Army is moving on the path of change. Unprecedented steps have been taken in the last decade to further strengthen the military forces, increase the strategic capability of the country and achieve self-reliance in defence production”.

“The determination and strong will of our armed forces will play a major role in building a self-reliant and developed India. I have full faith that our soldiers will continue to contribute to the progress of the nation with their unwavering determination to sacrifice everything for the country,” added the statement.

“The nation remembers with gratitude the valour, courage, sacrifice and austerity of our soldiers for the service of Mother India. On the important occasion of Army Day, on behalf of all the countrymen, I salute the brave martyrs, brave women and ex-servicemen”, said the PM remembering fallen heroes.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday extended his heartfelt greetings to the brave soldiers, officers, and families of the Indian Army on the occasion of 77th Army Day. In his message, Singh saluted their unwavering courage, valour, and selfless service, highlighting the Army’s crucial role not only in safeguarding the nation’s borders but also in disaster management, peacekeeping, and humanitarian efforts.

“On the auspicious occasion of Army Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all the brave soldiers, officers, and their families of the Indian Army. This day provides an opportunity to salute their indomitable courage, valour, and selfless service towards the security and integrity of our nation. The Indian Army not only plays a leading role in defending the borders of the country, but also makes exceptional contributions in disaster management, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance. It is a symbol of pride and trust for every Indian,” he said.

Rajnath Singh also emphasized that the Indian Army is one of the most important pillars of national security, and its role in nation-building is unparalleled.

“I am pleased that the Indian Army is not only always prepared to deal with all kinds of traditional and unconventional threats but also plays a crucial role in helping the country emerge as a developed nation. The Army is also progressing rapidly in adopting change and modern technology, promoting self-reliance and boosting indigenization”, he said.

“The skill, discipline, and patriotism of our Army have brought India honour on the global stage. The sacrifices and services of our brave soldiers can never be forgotten, and the people of the country are forever grateful to them,” he added.

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday paid tribute and extended his wishes on the occasion of 77th Army Day. In a post on X, Rahul said, “Happy Army Day to the brave soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families who protect the Indian borders day and night with their unwavering dedication and bravery. Every Indian salute your indomitable courage and sacrifice. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat”.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed gratitude to the soldiers of the Army on the occasion. “We extend our profound gratitude and reverence to the valiant soldiers, veterans, ex-servicemen and their families, on the occasion of Indian Army Day. The Indian Army stands as a cornerstone of India’s National Security, diligently safeguarding our borders across formidable and challenging terrains. Beyond its crucial role in maintaining external security, the Army consistently demonstrates unwavering commitment by providing invaluable support during internal security challenges and natural calamities”, he said.

“We are eternally indebted to the indomitable courage, exemplary professionalism, and the spirit of selfless sacrifice exhibited by our Army, which serves as an unwavering shield for our nation,” the Congress president said.

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) also conveyed felicitations and warm wishes to the Army.In his message, General Dwivedi emphasized that the Indian Army plays a crucial role in ensuring a stable and secure environment, which is essential for the uninterrupted progress of the nation, towards its envisioned goal of Viksit Bharat.

“Our commitment towards that remains unwavering. Each soldier of the Indian Army stands resolute, in confronting the security challenges, whether at our borders or in the hinterland. We have and shall always remain steadfast in our obligation to assist civil authorities, render humanitarian aid, undertake disaster relief and contribute to nation-building initiatives”, he said.

He also pointed out that the security landscape remains dynamic and the character of warfare continues to change. “In order to prepare for future challenges, we have embarked upon a ‘Decade of Transformation’ towards evolving into a modern, agile, adaptive and technology-enabled future ready force. Our capability development endeavours which are inclusive to our Transformation pursuit, stand on the edifice of Atmanirbharta, towards which we firmly stand committed”, the COAS said.

He also asserted that the Indian Army will observe the year 2025 as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ where in ‘assimilation’, ‘adoption’ and ‘integration’ of new technology into the warfighting systems will remain thrust areas.

General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) extended his greetings on the occasion and said that the day is a celebration of the unwavering dedication, courage, indomitable spirit and professionalism that define the Indian Army.”The Indian Army’s legacy is built on its credible ability to adapt to challenges, uphold sovereignty and serve the nation selflessly. The relentless efforts of the personnel of the Indian Army in maintaining a high state of readiness, excelling in operational domains and ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens, under all circumstances are commendable”, General Chauhan said.

He also asserted that modern warfare is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in technology and shifting geo-political dynamics. “Conflicts are increasingly expanding into new domains, including Cyber, Space and Cognitive arenas. New age technologies and concepts such as Automation powered by Artificial Intelligence and Data-Centric Architecture, Celerity Centric Warfare bolstered by Stealth and Hypersonic technologies, and Robotics driven by Autonomous Vehicles are transforming how future wars will be fought”, he said.

The CAS emphasized further that the Indian Army will need to adapt and equip technologically and continually upgrade its Tactics, Techniques and Procedures to remain ahead of its adversaries.”Empowering men with higher technical acumen with the infusion of improved Information and Communications Technology is the need of the hour,” he said.

“On the solemn occasion of the Army Day, we pay homage and express our gratitude to the brave martyrs, who made the supreme sacrifice and laid down their lives in the Line of Duty. We remain indebted to our Veterans and Veer Naris who continue to remain a source of inspiration for us”, he added. (ANI)

Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on Wednesday extended his heartfelt greetings to the brave soldiers, officers, and families of the Indian Army on the occasion of 77th Army Day.

In the message, Tripathi saluted the unparalleled contributions of the Indian Army in preserving India’s sovereignty and security. In a social media post on X, the Spokesperson of the Indian Navy, on behalf of CNS Tripathi and all personnel of Indian Navy, wrote, “On the 77th #ArmyDay, Adm Dinesh K Tripathi #CNS and All Personnel of #IndianNavy convey best wishes to All Ranks, #Veterans & Families of #IndianArmy and offer deepest gratitude and homage to the brave warriors who have laid their lives in the service of our nation”.

“As the Army continues to meet its mandate amidst the inhospitable and challenging terrain, the #IndianNary stands in deep reverence and solidarity with its Army brethren, saluting their unparalleled contributions in preserving #India’s sovereignty and security,” the tweet added.

January 15 is observed as Army Day every year to commemorate the occasion when General (later Field Marshal) K M Cariappa took over command of the Indian Army from General Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief, in 1949, thus becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief post-independence.

As part of the celebrations, the Army showcased its significant technological advancements, underscoring its ongoing commitment to operational excellence and self-reliance, a release stated.

In 2023, the Indian Army declared the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ and has now extended this initiative for another year, aligning with the Ministry of Defence’s declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’. These efforts are part of the broader ‘Decade of Transformation’ (2023-2032), aimed at redefining India’s defence capabilities.

Operating across varied terrains — from the icy heights of the Himalayas to the deserts of Rajasthan and the jungles of the Northeast — the Indian Army faces unique operational challenges, driving in-house innovation to address them. (ANI)