The Army will not let any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo along the country’s borders succeed, Army Chief Gen M.M. Naravane said addressing the rank and file on Saturday while the Army’s paratroopers showcased the new combat dress at the Army Day parade.
“Our patience is a sign of our self-confidence, but no one should make the mistake of testing it... Our message is clear, the Indian Army won’t let any attempt to unilaterally change status quo along country’s borders to succeed,” Gen Naravane said addressing the parade on the 74th Army Day.
His comments come in the backdrop of the continuing standoff in Eastern Ladakh with the 14th round of Corps Commander talks between India and China earlier this week failing to achieve a breakthrough for the next phase of disengagement at Hot Springs. Over 50,000 troops from each side continue to be deployed in the high altitude region very close to the Line of Actual Control in extreme winters.
Gen Naravane said joint efforts at various levels have led to disengagement in many areas which in itself is a constructive step and added that on the basis of “mutual and equal security”, efforts would continue to find a solution to the current situation.
January 15 is observed as Army Day to mark Field Marshall K.M. Cariappa taking over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949 from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief.
The Army Day parade this year showcased the evolution of various weapon systems held in the Army’s inventory over the decades with new and modern weapon systems and platforms displayed alongside their legacy counterparts. Centurion tanks were followed by Arjun Main Battle Tanks in the parade and Topas armoured personnel carrier was followed by the BMP-II in tow. Similarly pairs of the 75/24 Indian Field Gun and Dhanush, PMP/PMS and Sarvatra bridges and Tiger Cat and Akash Surface to Air Missiles were also on display.
After reviewing the parade at Cariappa Parade Ground, Delhi Cantonment, Gen Naravane awarded 15 Sena Medals (including five posthumously) for individual acts of gallantry and 23 Chief of Army Staff Unit Citations to units for their commendable performance.
New combat uniform
The new uniform created in association with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), features a digital pattern and is lighter, more climate-friendly and suitable for the varied terrain the Army operates in.
The new uniform sports a mix of colours from olive to earth to give better concealment with the terrain. It has been finalised after extensive study and analysing patters of various countries and in consultation with the National Institute of Fashion Technology.
In a change from the present norm, in the new dress the shirt would not be tucked in, a common practice worldwide for combat uniforms. All personnel are provided annual dress allowance at different rates for officers and Other Ranks. Some changes are expected to be made in the regular uniform as well.
