New Delhi

Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Saturday said that the situation at the Line of Control (LoC) was better than what it was last year but Pakistan was still harbouring terrorists.

"At the LoC, the situation is better than last year but Pakistan is still harbouring terrorists near the border. Nearly 300-400 terrorists are waiting to intrude in India. A total of 144 terrorists were killed in counter operations," General Naravane said during his address at the 74th Indian Army Day celebration held at Cariappa Parade Ground in New Delhi.

"Last year was challenging for the Army because of the China tensions and to keep the situation under control, the 14th meeting took place recently. There was disengagement at multiple points," he added.

"Our mutual cooperation with neighbouring countries has increased further during the COVID-19 epidemic," the Army chief said.

He also hailed India’s contribution to the United Nations peacekeeping operations.

"The Indian Army has always been a significant contributor to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation. Even today, more than 5,000 soldiers of our army are deployed in various peacekeeping missions, which are giving a different identity to the country," he said.

He also said the army was ready to welcome women cadets to the National Defence Academy.

"The Academy is ready to welcome the first-ever batch of women cadets in January 2023. The preparations are underway. In defence aviation also, women pilots have been given acceptance and their training is underway".

Earlier today, the Indian Army's Parachute Regiment commandos marched during the Army Day Parade in the new digital combat uniform of the Indian Army. This is the first time that the uniform has been unveiled in public.

While Sepoy Kundan Kumar Ojha's wife received Sena Medal for Gallantry posthumously from Army Chief General MM Naravane at the Army Day Parade today for showing valour in the Galwan clash.

India celebrates Army Day on January 15 every year to acknowledge the importance of the Indian Army and honour the sacrifices of soldiers. On this day in 1949, Field Marshal Kodandera M Cariappa took over as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah also wished soldiers, veterans, and their families on the occasion of the Army Day.