Indian Army Day: Tracing the Olive-Greens through the Ages

Sydney Schanberg of the New York Times, who accompanied Indian troops in two sectors during the 1971 India-Pakistan War said, “I don’t like sitting around praising armies. I don’t like armies because armies mean wars – and I don’t like wars. But this [the Indian] Army was something… They were great all the way. There was never a black mark… I lived with the officers and I walked, rode with the jawans – and they were all great.… And they were the most perfect gentlemen—I have never seen them do a wrong thing—not even when they just saw how bestial the enemy had been.”

Every year on January 15, India pauses to honour the valour, dedication, and sacrifices of its steadfast protectors on the Indian Army Day. The day carries a deep historical significance, marking a proud moment in 1949 when Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa assumed command as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, taking over from British General Sir Francis Butcher. This handover of leadership not only signified India’s newfound sovereignty but also heralded the era of a self-reliant Army.

The day is a tribute to the men and women in the olive green, celebrating their achievements, from technological strides to nation-building endeavours, through grand parades and solemn ceremonies. Indian Army Day reminds us of the unwavering commitment of these defenders, the unyielding backbone of India’s resilience. So let us have a look at how the Indian Army has evolved through the ages – a bird’s eye view.

The British Era of the Indian Army

The British influence on the Indian Army spanned nearly 200 years. It began in 1752 with Major Stringer Lawrence, appointed as the first Commander-in-Chief of all East India Company forces. Often regarded as the Father of the Indian Army, Lawrence oversaw a force composed of European recruits—either brought from England or enlisted locally—alongside Indian auxiliaries. These Indian soldiers bore their own weapons, wore traditional attire, and served under their native leaders.

The watershed events of 1857, while widely known, marked a turning point in the structure of the Army. After the tumultuous events of 1857, a Royal Commission in 1858 proposed a new structure for the Indian Army, one that would rely more heavily on Indian soldiers. The plan envisioned a ratio of two Indian troops for every British soldier. By 1863, this vision took shape, with over 315,000 Indian soldiers serving alongside 38,000 British troops. Over the years, the once-separate forces of the three Presidency Armies began to merge. By 1895, the transformation was complete, creating a unified Indian Army that stood as a vital pillar of British power in the region.

With the Crown assuming control of India, the British formulated an imperial strategy to defend their prized colony. This strategy hinged on creating a cordon sanitaire with immediate buffer states like Afghanistan, Tibet, and Burma, and extending influence through naval dominance to outposts such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Aden, and even Cyprus in the Mediterranean. At its peak, Pax Britannica revolved around India, the jewel of the empire.

Indian Army during World Wars

The final transformation and professional restructuring of the Indian Army came under General Herbert Kitchener, who served as Commander-in-Chief in India from 1902. Kitchener’s tenure wasn’t without conflict. A bitter clash between him and Viceroy Lord George Curzon over the perceived duality in the military’s control structure led to Curzon’s resignation. This unresolved debate over military leadership and governance left an enduring legacy. Even after independence, the exclusion of service chiefs from government decision-making forums became a persistent weakness in India’s higher defence mechanism.

When World War I erupted, the Indian Army’s contribution was unparalleled. Over one million Indian soldiers served overseas, with the Army expanding from 239,511 personnel in 1914 to over 1.4 million by 1919. Though Indian officers still lacked commissioned ranks, soldiers fought valiantly across major theatres, including France, Gallipoli, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Palestine.

World War II brought new challenges and an even greater transformation. On September 3, 1939, Britain declared war on Germany, and India was automatically drawn into the conflict. The decision, made without consulting Indian leaders, led to Congress governments resigning in protest—not out of sympathy for Nazi Germany, but as a stand on principle. At the war’s onset, the Indian Army numbered just under 200,000 men, similar to its World War I strength. Its planned modernization had only just begun, and it was initially envisioned as a force to safeguard India’s borders.

The war’s demands quickly expanded the Army’s role. By the time the war ended, the Indian Army had grown to over two million soldiers, fighting across theatres from Hong Kong to Italy. In the re-conquest of Burma, Indian troops formed the backbone of operations and played key roles in campaigns in North Africa and Italy. Their valour did not go unnoticed—nearly 63,000 awards were conferred upon Indian soldiers, including 31 Victoria Crosses, four George Crosses, and thousands of gallantry awards. This era firmly established the Indian Army as a formidable force on the global stage.

Defection to Indian National Army and Partition

One of the prominent factors leading to India’s independence was the formation of Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) by Indian prisoners of war. Around 20,000 officers and soldiers defected and joined INA’s ranks, sending shockwaves through the British establishment. The defection of Indian officers to the INA deeply unnerved the British, as it cast doubt on the loyalty of the Indian Army, the very force they depended on to suppress dissent. This sentiment was further compounded by mutinies in the Royal Indian Air Force in January 1946 and the widespread rebellion in the Royal Indian Navy a month later. These events convinced the British that India could no longer be held by force, contributing significantly to their decision to grant independence.

As independence approached, the partition brought the daunting task of reorganizing the armed forces. It was agreed that by August 15, 1947, India and Pakistan would have separate forces composed primarily of non-Muslims and Muslims, respectively. This necessitated the reorganization of mixed-class units and the division of military resources under the supervision of the Armed Forces Reconstitution Committee, led by Field Marshal Auchinleck. Soldiers were allowed to choose their allegiance, reflecting the deep personal and communal challenges of the time.

The tragedy of partition cast a dark shadow over this process. The hurried timeline set by Lord Mountbatten, coupled with the delayed announcement of the boundary award, exacerbated the chaos. The resulting violence during the migration of nearly 14 million people claimed over half a million lives. Troops from the old Indian Army faced unprecedented emotional and physical strain, witnessing harrowing scenes of murder, brutality, and mass displacement. Despite these challenges, their discipline held firm, a testament to their resilience and leadership. It was a trial by fire for the Indian Army, one it endured with remarkable resolve amidst unparalleled adversity.

Operation Gulmarg

In the turbulent days following independence, Pakistan spilt forth a covert operation – Operation Gulmarg, aimed at annexing Jammu and Kashmir. The plan, orchestrated under the leadership of Colonel Akbar Khan of the Pakistan Army, was meticulously crafted as early as August 1947. It was a gambit designed to forcibly claim the princely state, exploiting its fragile situation amidst the chaos of partition.

When the invasion began, the Indian Army was thrust into a high-stakes mission to defend Jammu and Kashmir. Despite overwhelming odds, including challenging terrain, harsh weather, and limited logistical support, they rose to the occasion. With grit and unwavering determination, they launched operations to repel the aggressors, driven not just by orders but by a deep sense of duty and patriotism.

Under the leadership of Indian officers, many of whom were taking command in battle for the first time since independence, the Army demonstrated remarkable resolve. Each soldier treated the mission as a sacred trust, a responsibility to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, no matter the cost. Their perseverance and indomitable spirit turned the tide, carving a legacy of courage and sacrifice that stands as a proud chapter in India’s history. This was not just a battle—it was a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Indian Army.

Indian Army Post Independence

In August 1947, the Indian Army stood strong with 400,000 personnel, but the country’s political leadership, keen to reduce defence expenditure, decided to halve its strength after the Jammu and Kashmir operations. This decision marked the disbandment of many units, a significant restructuring in the early years of independence. By 1948, a new Territorial Army Act was introduced, leading to the creation of infantry and artillery units with a core of regular officers. The subsequent decade, from 1948 to 1960, witnessed sweeping changes within the military structure.

In 1955, the title of Commander-in-Chief was abolished, and the Army, Navy, and Air Force Chiefs were given equal and independent authority over their respective services. However, this autonomy was overshadowed by the growing influence of civilian bureaucrats within the Ministry of Defence. Financial and administrative controls tightened, and gradually, decision-making powers shifted away from military leadership, particularly during Defence Minister V.K. Krishna Menon’s tenure. His disregard for military consultation alienated the armed forces.

India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru’s mistrust of the military was no secret. When Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa presented a security plan for the North East Frontier Agency after China’s occupation of Tibet, erstwhile PM Nehru rebuked him sharply, asserting that military leaders should focus only on Kashmir and Pakistan. Nehru’s approach of appeasing China, coupled with the untimely death of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel—who might have opposed such policies—left India vulnerable. The Sino-Indian War of 1962 exposed these flaws, leading to national humiliation, as military warnings and sound strategies had been dismissed in favour of misguided political decisions.

China and More: The Traumatic Period

The decade from 1961 to 1971 was one of the most challenging chapters in the history of the Indian Army. The devastating Sino-India War in 1962 deeply shook the nation and its armed forces, prompting intense introspection and a resolve to address the shortcomings. The 1965 war allowed the Army to regain some of its pride, but it also exposed glaring gaps in equipment, training, and leadership. These lessons served as a wake-up call for the political leadership, spurring efforts to modernize and expand the military. By the close of the decade, the Indian Army had transformed itself, better prepared to tackle emerging challenges.

The 1971 war marked a defining moment. With the creation of Bangladesh and a decisive military triumph, the Indian Army captured 93,000 prisoners of war, a feat that remains unparalleled. Beyond strategic victories and tactical brilliance, it was the indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication of the soldiers during this campaign that stood out, leaving an enduring legacy.

Indian Army’s Era of Modernisation

The years following the 1971 war were a transformative period for the Indian Army. Efforts to modernize gained momentum, guided by the recommendations of the Experts Committee led by Lt. General K.V. Krishna Rao. Submitted in 1976, the report set the stage for significant advancements in the 1980s, particularly the expansion of mechanized forces.

Amid these developments, pivotal events shaped the Army’s trajectory. On April 13, 1984, a bold operation unfolded on the Siachen Glacier. In a strategic move, 34 Indian soldiers were airlifted to a position near Bilafond La, securing a critical pass on the Soltoro Ridge. This marked the beginning of the enduring Siachen conflict with Pakistan.

The same year witnessed Operation Blue Star, a controversial assault on the Golden Temple to clear it of militants. While successful militarily, the operation deeply impacted the nation, culminating in the tragic assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh guards.

In Sri Lanka, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) faced immense challenges between 1987 and 1990. Tasked initially with peacekeeping, they found themselves battling the LTTE in gruelling conditions. Despite political constraints, their efforts nearly crushed the insurgency, as later acknowledged by Sri Lankan officials.

During this period, the Army showcased its rapid response capabilities in the Maldives, thwarting an attempted coup and securing the nation’s government. Meanwhile, the late 1980s saw the rise of terrorism and insurgency in Kashmir, demanding additional troop deployments and marking the start of a prolonged and complex conflict.

Kargil War

The Kargil War of 1999 unfolded across a rugged, high-altitude battleground. Spanning 168 kilometres along the Line of Control (LoC), the Kargil sector stretched from Kaobal Gali in the west to Chorbat La in the east. This formidable terrain, with peaks towering between 4,000 and 5,000 meters, created natural gaps between defended positions. Key deployments included an infantry battalion in Dras, two more near Kargil, and a Border Security Force unit, while the Ladakh Scouts guarded the Chorbat La area.

The story began on May 3, 1999, when reports surfaced of unusual activity. It soon became evident that armed intruders had infiltrated these gaps, seizing strategic heights. What started as suspicion turned into a grim realization: Pakistan, using regular troops, was attempting to alter the LoC under cover of winter’s silence.

The initial response from local Army formations, caught off guard by the intrusion, was scattered and uncoordinated. Early patrols and attacks, hastily launched, lacked the cohesion to reclaim the occupied heights. However, the tide turned as the Indian Army regrouped. With a combination of precise airstrikes and the thunderous impact of 155mm Howitzers, the tide began to shift.

The Indian infantry, known for its unyielding spirit, scaled treacherous peaks under relentless fire. Their courage and determination became the defining narrative of this war, as they reclaimed every inch of territory with unmatched valour, securing a hard-fought victory in one of the most challenging theatres of modern warfare.

Indian Army in the 21st Century

The Indian Army, one of the largest and most formidable military forces in the world, has adapted to meet the complexities of the 21st century. Beyond its traditional role of safeguarding national borders, the Army has evolved to address diverse challenges, including counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance.

A significant milestone in the Army’s contemporary history was the 2016 surgical strikes. In response to a deadly terrorist attack in Uri, Indian special forces crossed the Line of Control (LoC) into Pakistan-administered territory to dismantle terror launch pads. This operation sent a clear message about India’s resolve to combat cross-border terrorism. Domestically, the Army continues to conduct counter-insurgency operations in regions like Jammu and Kashmir and the northeastern states, ensuring internal stability.

The Indian Army also plays a crucial role in global peacekeeping. It is one of the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions, with personnel serving in conflict zones across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Their efforts in restoring peace and aiding reconstruction have earned global recognition.

On the humanitarian front, the Army has conducted large-scale evacuation and disaster relief operations. From rescuing stranded citizens during the Uttarakhand floods of 2013 to “Operation Ganga” in 2022, which evacuated Indian nationals from war-torn Ukraine, the Army has consistently demonstrated its commitment to saving lives.

As it steps further into the 21st century, the Indian Army remains a pillar of strength and resilience. Through modernization, strategic foresight, and a commitment to peace, it continues to safeguard the nation and contribute meaningfully to global stability.