India is celebrating its 73rd Army Day on Friday. All Army Command headquarters celebrate Army Day to commemorate the country's soldiers.
The day marks when Lt Gen K M Carriappa took over as commander-in-chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Butcher, the last British commander-in-chief of India, in 1949.
It essentially marks the beginning of the Indian Army as we know it today. Apart from this day, it is also meant as a day to honour those soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for India.
Earlier in the day, President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Indian Army personnel and said the country will remain forever grateful to its courageous and committed soldiers, veterans and their families.
IMAGE: Indian Army Tornadoes team members display their skills during the 73rd Army Day parade, at Parade ground in New Delhi. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo
IMAGE: T-90 battle tanks of Indian Army during the 73rd Army Day parade. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo
SEE: Indian Army showcases different types of tanks and missiles
IMAGE: Army personnel show off their skills on motorcycles at the parade. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo
IMAGE: Pinaka 214 MM Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher Systems pass through the Cariappa Parade Ground for the Army Day Parade, in New Delhi. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo
SEE: Indian Army demonstrates combat swarm drones
IMAGE: Madras (TA) contingent marches during the 73rd Army Day parade, at Parade ground in New Delhi. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo
IMAGE: Chief of Army Staff Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane inspects the guard of honour during the 73rd Army Day Parade, at Parade Ground in New Delhi. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo
IMAGE: Widows of martyrs wait for the award distribution during the 73rd Army Day Parade, at Parade Ground in New Delhi. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo
