Rare Honour to Indian Army by France on "Bastille Day’

July 1, 2009 by roop
Indian Military is one of the finest and most professional armed forces of the world. This is evident from the fact that all developed nations take pride in conducting joint exercises with our armed forces and are spell bound by the way the operations are conducted. Continuing the trend, France has invited our troops to participate in the France’s ‘Bastille Day’ parade in Paris; an honour bestowed to very few countries.
Deccan Herald reports that for the first time in the history of Indian Army, jawans of Maratha Light Infantry Regiment Centre (MLIRC) here, will have the honour of participating in France’s ‘Bastille Day’ parade in Paris.
The Maratha contingent will participate in the France National Day celebrations on July 13. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will be the chief guest on the occasion and the contingent will participate in the parade in the prime minister’s presence and exhibit the Indian Army’s tradition.
On receipt of an invitation from the France government to the Indian Army, COAS, Gen Deepak Kapoor has chosen the contingent from Maratha Regiment comprising group leader Major Vivek Khanduri, three Junior Commissioned Officers and 144 jawans. The contingent has 70 per cent jawans, who are Marathas, 20 per cent Kannadigas and 10 per cent Tamilians, according to MLIRC sources.
The contingent had won the first prize twice at Republic Day parade in Delhi for the last two years, has continued its practice at Delhi. The contingent would leave for Paris on July 7 by France government’s special flight.
Rare honour to Indian Army by France

India Marks 60th Army Day

India's Army Day commemorates the late Field Marshal B. C. Cariappa's taking over as the first Indian commander-in-chief of the armed forces in 1949, two years after India's independence from British rule.

Army Chief Gen Deepak Kapoor

"There have been some instances which have brought down the image of the army in the eyes of the public," the Army Chief said on the occasion of Army Day. "We are concerned. We will try to maintain the image of the army, which is held in high regard," Gen Kapoor said.

Earlier, addressing officers and jawans of his force, he asked them to ensure that the army's image is kept intact. The Army Chief also highlighted the achievements of the force in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and North East but asked the troops to take all measures to avoid collateral damage during such actions. Gen Kapoor said the force had successfully faced challenges and there was need to ‘be ready’ to take on any future challenges.

In the afternoon, the Army Chief held a reception at his residence, which was attended by President Pratibha Patil, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Defence Minister AK Antony, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, L.K. Advani, the Chief of the Navy, Admiral Sureesh Mehta and the chief of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major, besides many serving and retired Service Officers.

Photograph Credits:

Cavalry AP Photo by Gurinder Osan

Artillery Reuters

NCC Reuters

Gorkha and Sikh Tps AFP