Interesting Facts About Indian Army That You May Not Know About

Indian Army is in the three wings Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Indian Army of India’s Armed Force is the biggest of all. They are responsible for securing the country’s border, guarding the surrounding of our border, preventing terrorists, saving civilian, and many other duties.

As you may know, the Indian Army is also one of the biggest Armed Forces and one of the world’s strongest fighting forces. However, you might not know these facts about the Indian Army, which will make you respect them even more.

Let’s go through the top interesting facts about the Indian Army

1. India Army is guarding the world’s highest battlefield

There have been a lot of battlefields across the world, but this one is even beyond your imagination. World’s highest battlefield is called ‘Siachen’ which is a glacier situated over 5,000 meters above the sea level.

At this crazy altitude, air contains much less oxygen. In addition, temperatures can drop as low as 60 degrees below zero, fruits turn inedible in just seconds, and snowfall can even stack to 36 feet. For an average person, he/she can get mountain sickness instantly.

Even with that extreme conditions, there are still around 10,000 Indian soldiers camping there. Over 800 soldiers died due to the harsh conditions, but they still continue their duty of serving the country.

2. The Indian Army currently holds the record for accepting the biggest ever military surrender in the world

The Indo Pakistan War in 1971 reached to an end with the surrender of around 93,000 soldiers of the Pakistani Army. It is the highest number of POWs (prisoner of war) since World War II.

3. The birth of Indian Army

The army forces in the Presidencies of Bombay, Madras, and Bengal were unified into the Indian Army in 1895. However, the Indian Army was split into Bengal, Madras, Bombay, and Punjab commands due to administrative needs.

4. Multiple foreign troops are trained in India

The Indian Army has trained a wide range of foreign armies from the UK, the US, or Russia at the training institutes - The Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School in Vairengte, Mizoram and Indian Military Academy at Dehradun.

There are many exercises conducted by our army and troops from multiple countries. The major drills include Exercise Shakti conducted with France, Yuddh Abhyas conducted with the US, and Exercise Nomadic Elephant with Mongolia.

5. No attempt to overthrow the government

Since 1947, the Indian Army has never attempted any military coup and it is also said to never be the first to attack. There has been no intention of governing a nation or gaining power of any sort.

6. Indian Army is considered one of the best in high altitude and mountain warfare

The High Altitude Warfare School of the Indian Army is a well-known training and research facility, and it is also one of the best military training establishments in not only within India but also in the world.

7. All are welcome to join the services

You will find no discrimination when it comes to the recruitment of Indian Army. The Services Selection Board will be responsible for selecting the right candidates. The selection process is tough, and its quality standards have never been compromised.

8. Battle of Longewala: One of the greatest last stands in history

Some might say that it was a miracle that the Indian Army could win the battle of Longewala in 1971. There were only 120 Indian soldiers fighting against around 2,000 Pakistani counterparts. While the Pakistani soldiers were backed with 45 tanks as well as one mobile infantry brigade, all the 120 Indian soldiers had along with them was recoilless jeep-mounted M40 rifle. Not only they were outnumbered, but they were also much worse in terms of firepower. However, these brave soldiers somehow managed to defend throughout the night of 4 December 1971 until the Indian Air Force came to help.

9. Indian Army built of the highest Bailey Bridge

Located at an altitude of 5,602 meters above the sea level, the Bailey Bridge is one of the world’s highest bridges. The bridge is 30 meters long and was built in August 1982 by the Indian Army. It is located Ladakh valley, between Suru and Dras rivers, in the Himalayan Mountains.