New Delhi: On the occasion of the 73rd Army Day, Army Chief MM Narwane on Friday praised the “supreme sacrifice” of bravehearts in the line of duty. Describing the year 2020 as full of challenges and opportunities, the Army Chief said that the Indian Army stood firm on protecting the country’s security and territorial integrity during this period. On the ongoing standoff on the Line of Actual Boundary (LAC) between Bharat and China, the Army Chief said, “Our brave officers and soldiers gave a befitting reply to the enemies.”
Lauding the Army’s swift action amid the standoff over the LAC, the Army Chief said, “The Indian Army responded promptly and decisively to every effort to change the status quo, with commitments to resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.” The Army Chief also referred to the continuing campaigns against terrorism in the midst of the Corona pandemic.
Chief of Defense Staff Bipin Rawat also gave a message on Army Day. In his message, Bipin Rawat paid tribute to the martyred soldiers.
Army day is celebrated every year on January 15 to commemorate the day when the first Indian general KM Cariappa took over as the first commander-in-chief of the Indian Army in 1949 from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British commander-in-chief in India.