Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday said the situation along the northern border is sensitive but stable while asserting that his force is fully ready and capable of dealing with any situation.

In his address at the 77th Army Day celebrations in Pune, he also said ceasefire is maintained along the Line of Control (LoC) but "attempts to infiltrate continue".

He said the situation along the northern border is sensitive but stable. "Our Army is fully ready and capable to deal with any situation," the Army chief said.

He also underlined that special attention has been given to developing modern equipment and critical infrastructure at the northern border. "We will continue on the path to make the Indian Army a modern, agile, adaptable, technology-enabled force," he asserted.

The Army chief said the 77th Army Day Parade which took place in Pune holds special significance as it has been a place of valour since the Maratha rule, The Army Day celebration in Pune reflects "our deep link" with the heritage of the region, he said.

This marks the third occasion that the Army Day Parade was held outside Delhi, following the decision to bring this prestigious event to other parts of the country. For the Southern Command, this is the second time the parade has been hosted under its aegis, the first being in Bangalore in 2023.

The event was attended by various military and civil dignitaries, including General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, Lt Gen Pawan Chadha, General Officer Commanding, Maharashtra, Gujarat & Goa, among other guests, including foreign dignitaries.

The parade commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Command War Memorial, where General Upendra Dwivedi, paid tribute to the brave soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.

Agniveer women marching contingent participates

In a momentous display of empowerment and excellence, the Agniveer women's marching contingent participated in the Army Day Parade furthering the remarkable journey of women in the Indian Army, said a press statement.

This marks another significant milestone following their participation in the All-Women Tri-Services Marching Contingent at the Republic Day Parade 2024.

The inclusion of women in the Corps of Military Police (CMP) in 2019 was a historic achievement for the Indian Army. Since then, Women Military Police have consistently excelled, not only in their military roles but also in national and international sports events, bringing immense pride and honour to the Armed Forces, added the press statement.

Aligned with the theme of "Naari Shakti," the Agniveer Women Marching Contingent took centre stage at the Army Day Parade 2025, showcasing the strength, discipline and dedication of the Women Military Police. The contingent, under the able command of Capt Sandhya Rao H, exemplified the leadership and commitment of women in the Indian Army, mentioned the press statement further.

The participation of the Agniveer Women Marching Contingent is a testament to the Indian Army's ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and empower women within its ranks, strengthening the force and reflecting the nation's growing commitment to recognising the capabilities of women in every sphere of national service.

'Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena'

The theme for this year's Army Day festivities was "Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena." It aimed to showcase the abilities of the Indian Army and its role in building a more robust nation.

The parade featured an impressive march-past with eight distinguished marching contingents, representing various regimental centres, including the Maratha Regimental Centre, Belgaum, Artillery Centre Nashik, Army Ordnance Regimental Centre, Secunderabad, Mechanised Infantry Regimental Centre, Ahilya Nagar, Madras Regimental Centre, Wellington, the BEG Centre, Khadki and the mounted Army Service Corps Horse Contingent. A fly-past by Sukhoi aircraft and Army helicopters further enhanced the grandeur of the parade.

The parade also witnessed an impressive array of vehicle-mounted contingents, equipment and cutting-edge technologies, showcasing the Indian Army’s advancements and preparedness for modern warfare. Among the highlighted equipment were the K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzer, the BMP-2 Sarath infantry combat vehicle and the formidable T-90 tanks, symbolising the strength and versatility of the Indian Army. Notably, the parade featured a range of innovations, including the Robotic Mule, a quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle designed for reconnaissance and perimeter security, and the Swathi Weapon Locating Radar, which enhances the Army’s ability to track hostile artillery and ensure precise counterfire. The Sarvatra Bridging System, an indigenous rapid-deployment assault bridge, and the Multi-Barrel Rocket System also made a notable appearance, emphasising the Army's capability to respond swiftly and efficiently in diverse combat scenarios.

Another groundbreaking highlight was the ATOR N1200 - All-Terrain Vehicle, an amphibious vehicle capable of seamlessly operating across swamps, snow, and water bodies and the Vehicle Mounted Infantry Mortar System (VMIMS), designed for quick deployment and precise targeting, focussing on agility and accuracy in modern combat. In line with its forward-looking approach, the parade also featured Drone Jammer Systems to counter UAV threats and Mobile Communication Nodes to ensure seamless communication in remote and difficult terrains.

Nepal Army Band participates in Army Day Parade

In a historic first, the Nepali Army Band contingent participated in the Army Day Parade 2025, marking a significant milestone in the longstanding friendship between the Indian and Nepali Army, an official statement said.

The statement said that the contingent comprised three women and featured brass and pipe band.

"The contingent, comprising 33 members, including three women soldiers, features both a Brass and Pipe Band, adding a unique cultural and musical flair to the prestigious event," the statement said.

The statement said that the participation of the Nepali army in Indian Army Day indicates the camaraderie between the two nations.

"This is the first time the Nepali Army Band will be part of the Army Day Parade, an occasion that celebrates the valour and dedication of the Indian Army. Their participation highlights the strong bonds of cooperation and camaraderie between the two nations, emphasising the shared commitment to peace, stability, and mutual respect," it said.

"The Nepali Army Band's performance is set to captivate the audience, offering a blend of musical traditions that reflect the deep cultural ties between India and Nepal. It is a testament to the growing military and diplomatic relations between the two countries. The inclusion of the Nepali Army Band in the Army Day Parade not only symbolises the unity between the armed forces but also strengthens the enduring partnership between India and Nepal," the statement added.