As India observes National Army Day, here are some lesser-known details about the Indian Army that you should be aware of. The Indian Army's origins
The Indian Army was established in Kolkata in 1776 by the East India Company. The Indian Army's role in World War I
In World War I, over 1.3 million Indian soldiers fought alongside the Allies. After India gained independence in 1947, the British Commander-in-Chief was replaced by the first Indian military commander, Lieutenant General KM Cariappa. The Indian Army's role in the Indo-Pakistan War
In the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, the Pakistani Army surrendered approximately 93,000 soldiers and officials. The Indian Army's role in UN peacekeeping
The Indian Army is a major contributor to UN peacekeeping operations. The Indian Army's role in construction
The Indian Army's Military Engineering Services has built the Bailey Bridge in Ladakh, the Khardungla Pass, and Magnetic Hill in Leh. The Indian Army's role in the Siachen Glacier
The Indian Army controls the Siachen Glacier, which is the world's highest battlefield. The Indian Army's role in the 61st Cavalry Regiment
The 61st Cavalry Regiment is one of the largest horse-mounted cavalry units in the Indian Army.The Indian Army's role in Operation Rahat
In 2013, the Indian Army rescued over 10,500 people during the North India floods.
