New Delhi, Jan 15 (NationPress) On Thursday, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan conveyed heartfelt Army Day greetings, praising the Indian Army for its unwavering courage, valor, and indomitable spirit. He specifically acknowledged the Army's outstanding performance during Operation Sindoor and emphasized that the nation feels immense pride in the force's accomplishments in facing numerous challenges.

Since 1949, Army Day has been celebrated annually to honor the day General K.M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.

In his message for Army Day, General Chauhan remarked that the Indian Army is built on a legacy of sacrifice and steadfast devotion to the nation.

He stated, “The Indian Army embodies a rich history of valor, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to our nation. It serves as the cornerstone of our defense architecture and is the most reliable pillar of our security.”

Discussing recent operations, he noted, “The Army’s indomitable spirit was once again showcased during Operation Sindoor, where it displayed remarkable courage and tactical acumen. The nation stands proud of its progress in addressing both external and internal threats.”

However, General Chauhan also warned against complacency, stressing the importance of continual evolution.

“No branch of the military, including the Army, can rest on past achievements. It must adopt a forward-thinking approach, proactively developing strategies for future warfare and combat,” he commented, commending the Army for its foresight in recognizing emerging challenges.

“I commend the Indian Army for making significant advancements in anticipating future challenges and initiating the modernization process to retain its competitive edge,” he added.

The CDS emphasized that future conflicts will be increasingly intricate and multi-dimensional. “Future wars will necessitate Multi-Domain Operations. The Indian Armed Forces must enhance their tri-service cooperation,” he stated, urging the Indian Army to prioritize structural reforms and a cultural shift to foster greater integration and coordination.

He highlighted that effective collaboration with the Navy and the Air Force is vital for successful operations in a multi-domain environment.

While extending his greetings for the occasion, General Chauhan said, “On this significant day, I express my profound gratitude to all members of the Indian Army, veterans, civil defense personnel, and their families. May your unwavering courage and valor continue to motivate the youth, bringing peace, dignity, and honor to our nation. Jai Hind!”

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi also shared Army Day wishes with all ranks of the Indian Army, veterans, Veer Matas, Veer Naris, defense civilians, and their families.

“We honor the ultimate sacrifice made by our brave heroes who have given their lives in service,” he stated.

Reflecting on the past year, General Dwivedi noted that it required constant vigilance and decisive operational responses across the security landscape to protect national sovereignty and interests. This was exemplified during Operation Sindoor.

“Simultaneously, the Indian Army showcased exceptional professionalism in its prompt responses to natural disasters both within India and in friendly neighboring nations through HADR Operations while also contributing effectively to international peace as part of UN Peacekeeping missions,” the Army Chief said in a statement.

Looking ahead, General Dwivedi announced that 2026 and 2027 have been designated as the Years of Networking and Data-Centricity.

“To further this momentum, the years 2026 & 2027 will focus on transforming the Indian Army into a data-driven, network-enabled, and fully integrated force with all stakeholders, aimed at achieving success in a multi-domain environment across the DIME-T,” he stated.

Reaffirming the Army's commitment to its personnel, the Army Chief remarked, “Let us reaffirm the sacred dedication of the Indian Army towards the welfare and dignity of our esteemed veterans, Veer Matas, Veer Naris, and their families, whose strength and resilience continue to inspire us.”

He expressed that the Army holds a profound sense of responsibility within the national consciousness and called on personnel to recommit to service.

“As we move forward, let us recommit ourselves to serving the nation in true adherence to our core ethos of ‘Naam’, ‘Namak’ aur ‘Nishaan’,” he stated.

Both the CDS and the Army Chief underscored the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of JAI, which stands for Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation.

They emphasized that the Army's vision for the coming year should prioritize collaboration with other services and agencies, promote the development of indigenous defense solutions, and encourage a robust culture of innovation.

According to them, the Indian Army is poised to play a crucial role in realizing the national objectives of Viksit Bharat@2047, contributing not only to national security but also to socio-economic development, disaster relief, and comprehensive nation-building endeavors under the broader frameworks of the Year of Reforms and the Decade of Transformation.