The theme for this year’s Army Day celebrations is “Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena”. It is focused on demonstrating the capabilities of the Indian Army and its contributions to a stronger nation.
Among the key highlights of the Army Day Parade was an all-woman Agniveer contingent, an all-woman marching team from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the set of ‘robotic mules’, besides also featuring the Nepal Army band.
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) January 15, 2025
For the first time, a set of 12 marching ‘robotic mules’ accompanied by their handlers registered their presence at the prestigious parade.
#WATCH | Maharashtra | Visuals of the 77th Army Day Parade in Pune.
The Army Day Parade commemorates Field Marshal KM Cariappa’s appointment as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, symbolizing India’s post-independence military leadership. pic.twitter.com/JRoDiNwED3— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2025
During the event, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi presented the Sena Medal (Gallantry) along with other honours.
#WATCH | 77th Army Day: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi presents Sena Medal (Gallantry) and other awards at the #ArmyDay Parade, in Pune, Maharashtra
(Source: Defence PRO) pic.twitter.com/dicnMa9uCD— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2025
Some of the platforms showcased at the Army Day Parade included the K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzer, BMP-2 Sarath infantry combat vehicle, Sarvatra bridging system, T-90 tanks, Swathi weapon locating radar, ATOR N1200 all-terrain vehicle, multi-barrel rocket system, drone jammer systems and mobile communication nodes, PTI reported.
Among the marching contingents who took part were the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment, Madras Regiment, Mechanised Infantry, Regiment of Artillery, Bombay Engineer Group, Army Service Corps, Army Ordnance Corps and several others.
A pamphlet shared by Army officials stated that a combined band of both the Indian Army and Nepal Army is taking part in the parade, thus symbolising the “synergy between the two nations”.
The annual event has traditionally been held in the national capital, but the long-standing practice witnessed a significant shift in January 2023, when the parade was conducted for the first time in Bengaluru (under the Southern Command area).
Last year, the Army Day Parade was hosted in Lucknow which comes under the Central Command area.
Speaking on the occasion, COAS General Upendra Dwivedi said, “Today, our country is standing on the threshold of a new era and is progressing smoothly towards the goal of a developed India. For our country to move ahead on the path of progress and development, a stable and secure environment is necessary, in which the Indian Army plays an important role.”
He expressed confidence that they would continue on the “path of progress to make the Indian Army a Modern, Agile, Adaptable, Technology enabled and future-ready Force.”
The situation on northern borders is “stable but at the same time sensitive,” he said that the Indian Army is “fully prepared and capable” to deal with any type of situation, while special attention was given to developing modern equipment and critical infrastructure on the northern borders.
“Ceasefire remains in place on the Line of Control of the western borders, but infiltration attempts continue. In the interior areas of Jammu and Kashmir, as a result of the continuous efforts of the security forces, violence has reduced significantly. The peaceful completion of Parliament, Assembly elections and Amarnath Yatra last year reflects the improvement in the security situation,” he added.