Indian Army’s Courage and Sacrifice Safeguard Nation’s Sovereignty: Rajnath Singh on Army Day
The 78th Army Day celebrations were held at Jaipur, marking the fourth occasion the Army Day Parade has been organised outside Delhi and the first time it was conducted outside an army cantonment, at the heart of a city.
Jaipur: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday paid tribute to the Indian Army’s indomitable courage, supreme sacrifice and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on the occasion of the 78th Army Day.
In a message posted on X, Singh said the nation salutes the bravery and professionalism of the Indian Army, which remains ever vigilant on the borders and steadfast during times of crisis. He said the Army has earned global respect not only for its discipline and operational excellence but also for its humanitarian service. Reiterating the government’s resolve, the defence minister said the Centre is committed to building a modern, Aatmanirbhar and future-ready Army, adding that a grateful nation stands united in pride and respect for its soldiers.
The 78th Army Day celebrations were held at Jaipur, marking the fourth occasion the Army Day Parade has been organised outside Delhi and the first time it was conducted outside an army cantonment, at the heart of a city. The parade commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony at Prerna Sthal, where Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, and Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, paid homage to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
General Dwivedi, as the reviewing officer, took the salute during the parade, which was witnessed by over one lakh spectators. The event began with the presentation of Sena Medal (Posthumous) for gallantry to the next of kin of five brave soldiers, underscoring the Army’s tradition of honouring sacrifice.
The parade showcased the Army’s growing focus on next-generation technologies and indigenisation, highlighting preparedness for future battlefields. Over 30 entities participated in the march-past, including contingents from the MADRAS Regimental Centre, RAJPUT Regimental Centre, Regiment of Artillery, Mixed Scouts Contingent and an NCC Girls Contingent. In a first, special Bhairav Battalion contingents from RAJRIF and SIKH LI took part, reflecting the Army’s shift towards agile, rapid-response and high-impact warfare capabilities.
A fly-past by Army helicopters, including LCH, ALH, WSI and Apache aircraft, added to the spectacle. The parade also featured an extensive display of armoured platforms, artillery systems, air-defence weapons, unmanned systems and indigenous equipment, underlining the Army’s emphasis on self-reliance and technological edge. Weapon systems deployed in recent operations, including BrahMos, Pinaka, Akash and ULH M777, were among those on display.
Cultural and ceremonial elements added colour to the celebrations, with performances by military bands, motorcycle and canine displays, and folk dances from Rajasthan. The Nepal Army Band also participated, symbolising the enduring defence ties and shared military traditions between India and Nepal.
Addressing the occasion, the Chief of the Army Staff highlighted the Army’s ongoing transformation into a future-ready force driven by agility, technology and self-reliance. He said indigenisation has become a strategic necessity and emphasised that emerging technologies are meant to empower the soldier, not replace him.
Later in the day, Shaurya Sandhya was organised in Jaipur, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the Chief of the Army Staff and other senior dignitaries. The event featured a reenactment of operational achievements, a large drone show and traditional martial arts performances, further showcasing the Army’s operational strength and its deep bond with the people.
