Indian Army facts for kids

Flag of the Indian Army

The Indian Army is a very important part of India's military. It is the branch that works on land. It is the largest part of the Indian military, protecting the country's borders and helping during emergencies.

In 2010, the Indian Army had over 1.1 million active soldiers and nearly a million reserve soldiers. This makes it one of the largest armies in the world, after China and the United States. Soldiers in the Indian Army are known for their bravery and dedication.

What the Indian Army Does
A Look at History
Training and Life in the Army
Equipment and Technology
Images for kids
See also

What the Indian Army Does

The main job of the Indian Army is to protect India from threats. This includes guarding the country's long borders, especially in tough areas like mountains and deserts.

Protecting the Borders

Soldiers are always on duty, watching over the borders. They make sure no one enters illegally and keep the country safe from outside dangers. They work in all kinds of weather, from freezing cold mountains to hot deserts.

Helping During Disasters

When there are natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or landslides, the Indian Army is often the first to help. They rescue people, provide food and medical aid, and help rebuild damaged areas. They are always ready to assist their fellow citizens.

Keeping the Peace

The Indian Army also takes part in United Nations peacekeeping missions around the world. Indian soldiers help bring peace and stability to countries that are facing conflict. They work with other nations to protect civilians and support humanitarian efforts.

A Look at History

The Indian Army has a long and proud history, going back many centuries. It has played a big role in many important events.

Early Days

The army we know today started to form during the time of British rule in India. Indian soldiers fought in many wars alongside British forces. They showed great courage and skill in battles around the world.

World Wars

Indian soldiers played a huge part in both World War I and World War II. Millions of Indian soldiers served in these wars, fighting bravely in different parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, and Asia. Their contributions were very important.

After Independence

After India became independent in 1947, the Indian Army was formed. Since then, it has defended the country in several conflicts. It has also helped maintain peace and security within India.

Training and Life in the Army

Becoming a soldier in the Indian Army requires a lot of hard work and discipline. Soldiers go through tough training to prepare for their duties.

Tough Training

New recruits learn many skills, including how to use weapons, survive in different environments, and work as a team. They also learn about discipline, leadership, and how to stay strong mentally and physically. Training helps them be ready for any challenge.

Different Roles

The Indian Army has many different types of units. Some soldiers are in the infantry, who fight on foot. Others are in the armoured corps, using tanks. There are also engineers, doctors, communication experts, and many other specialists. Everyone has an important role to play.

Life as a Soldier

Life in the army is not just about fighting. Soldiers live in special camps called cantonments. They train together, eat together, and often form strong friendships. They also get time to spend with their families.

Equipment and Technology

The Indian Army uses modern equipment and technology to do its job effectively.

Vehicles and Weapons

The army has many types of vehicles, including tanks like the Arjun Mark 1 Alpha and T-90 Bhishma, and armored cars. They also use different kinds of guns, from small rifles to large artillery guns like the Dhanush.

Air Support

The Indian Army also has its own aviation corps with helicopters like the HAL Rudra and HAL Light Combat Helicopter. These helicopters help transport troops, carry supplies, and provide support during operations.

Missiles and Defence

For defence, the army uses advanced missile systems. These include the Akash Surface to Air Missile to protect against air attacks, and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile for powerful strikes. They also use Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers, which can fire many rockets quickly.

Images for kids

No. 4 (Hazara) Mountain Battery with RML7 pounder "Steel Gun" Mountain Gun in Review Order. Left to right Naick, Havaldar, Subadar (Sikhs) and Gunner (Punjabi Musalman) circa 1895.
French postcard depicting the arrival of 15th Sikh Regiment in France during World War I. The postcard reads, "Gentlemen of India marching to chasten the German hooligans."
A Sikh soldier of the 4th Division (the Red Eagles) of the Indian Army, attached to the British Fifth Army in Italy. Holding a captured swastika after the surrender of German forces in Italy, May 1945. Behind him, a fascist inscription says "VIVA IL DUCE", "Long live the Duce" (i.e. Mussolini).
Major General El Edroos (at right) offers his surrender of the Hyderabad State Forces to Major General (later Army Chief) J.N. Chaudhuri at Secunderabad
Indian Army Hall of Fame at Leh, near Indo-Tibet border
Indian Army officer next to a destroyed Pakistani Sherman tank, after the battle of Asal Uttar.
Lt Gen A A K Niazi (right), Commander of the Pakistani Eastern Command, signing the Instrument of Surrender under the gaze of Lt Gen J S Aurora.
A memorial for the 22 Indian Army Medical Corps at the War Cemetery in Taiping, Perak
Kargil War Memorial looking at National Highway 1 from the foot of Tololing
Kargil War Memorial, built to honour fallen soldiers.
An Indian Army peacekeeper and an FARDC soldier shake hands and encourage each other
Indian Army soldiers during Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2018
Indian Army Aviation Corps Dhruv helicopter ferrying U.S soldiers during the Yudh Abhyas training exercise in 2009
Indian army armoured vehicles during Yudh Abhyas exercises
Indian Army Structure (click to enlarge)
Indian Army paratroopers with U.S soldiers during an exercise in Alaska
Indian Army soldiers move into position while demonstrating a platoon level ambush to U.S Army paratroopers.
Indian army band in Russia during the Moscow Victory Day Parade
The mounted President's Bodyguard during a state visit by a foreign dignitary
Army Armoured Corps in 2006
Indian soldier from White Knight Corps armed with a standard issued Sig 716i, 2021
Indian soldier from Assam Regiment during Yudh Abhyas exercise in 2019
Soldiers of the Rajput Regiment during a Republic Day Parade
Soldiers of the Sikh Light Infantry during a Republic Day Parade
Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers were used during the Kargil War.
Dhanush artillery gun
Statue of memorial of Jawans at Shimla
Soldiers of the Assam Regiment
Indian Army personnel wearing the new uniform designed by NIFT
Indian Army Paratroopers, issued with the new camo during the 2022 Army Day parade
A female Indian Army officer briefs the Russian contingent about disarming an IED explosive during a joint exercise in Rajasthan, India, 2015.
A female civilian Contractor briefing Indian Army soldiers on firing techniques.
Akash Surface to Air Missile
HAL Rudra
Indian Army's Arjun Mark 1 Alpha tank
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is a crucial component of the Indian Army's strike capabilities.
HAL Light Combat Helicopter
Advanced Air Defence (AAD) missile launch, 2008