0.1 Observance

• 0.1.1 Indian Army Day is observed every year on 15 January.
• 0.1.2 Indian Army Day 2026 is observed on 15 January 2026 across India.
• 0.1.3 Celebrated by the Indian Army.

0.2 Historical Background

• 0.2.1 On 15 January 1949, K. M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.
• 0.2.2 He took over command from General Sir F. R. R. Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief.
• 0.2.3 This marked complete Indianisation of India’s military leadership after Independence.

0.3 Significance

• 0.3.1 Symbolises national sovereignty and self-rule in defence matters.
• 0.3.2 Commemorates the post-Independence journey of the Indian Army.

0.4 Theme – 2026

• 0.4.1 Theme: “Year of Networking and Data Centricity”.
• 0.4.2 Focus on digital transformation of the Army.
• 0.4.3 Emphasis on AI-enabled warfare, cyber resilience, and integrated battle management systems.
• 0.4.4 Aligned with the Army Modernisation Plan.

0.5 Celebrations

• 0.5.1 Military parades and ceremonial events are organised.
• 0.5.2 Tributes are paid to fallen soldiers.
• 0.5.3 President of India and Defence Minister participate.
• 0.5.4 Awareness programmes held in schools, colleges, and defence institutions.

0.6 Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa – Key Facts

• 0.6.1 First Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.
• 0.6.2 Led Indian forces on the Western Front during the 1947 Indo-Pak War.
• 0.6.3 One of only two Indian Army officers to hold the rank of Field Marshal.
• 0.6.4 The other Field Marshal is Sam Manekshaw.
• 0.6.5 Awarded Legion of Merit (Chief Commander) by US President Harry S. Truman.
• 0.6.6 Conferred the rank of Field Marshal by Government of India in 1983.

0.7 Other Defence Days

• 0.7.1 Army Day
  • Date: 15 January
  • Significance: Cariappa’s takeover (1949)
• 0.7.2 Navy Day
  • Date: 4 December
  • Significance: Operation Trident
• 0.7.3 Air Force Day
  • Date: 8 October
  • Significance: Indian Air Force formation (1932)