Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the “indomitable spirit and courage” of all Ranks and Veterans of the Infantry on the occasion of Infantry Day.

In a post on X PM Modi wrote, “On Infantry Day, we all salute the indomitable spirit and courage of all Ranks and Veterans of the Infantry, who tirelessly protect us. They always stand resolute in the face of any adversity, ensuring the safety and security of our nation. The infantry embodies the essence of strength, valour and duty, inspiring every Indian.

On this occasion, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and other senior officers lay wreaths at the National War Memorial.

Infantry Day is marked annually on October 27 to commemorate a historic moment in 1947 when the 1st Battalion of the SIKH Regiment landed at Srinagar airfield. The battalion’s swift action was instrumental in protecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistani Kabaili raiders, who were supported by the Pakistan Army. This operation thwarted Pakistan’s attempts to occupy the region, marking a defining moment in the early defense of India’s borders.

Known as the “Queen of the Battle,” the infantry holds an essential place in the annals of Indian military history, with a legacy stretching back to ancient conflicts. Since independence, the Infantry has been integral to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, playing key roles in conflicts such as the 1947-48 war with Pakistan, the 1962 conflict with China, the 1965 and 1971 wars, and the 1999 Kargil conflict.

(ANI)