Speech by Ambassador Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh on the occasion of 77th Indian Army Day at Beirut on 15 January, 2025

Speech by Ambassador Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh on the occasion of 77th Indian Army Day at Beirut on 15 January, 2025

       Good Morning, Excellency Ambassadors, diplomats, members of the Lebanese Armed Forces, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officers of the Indian battalion and my dear friends,

        The Indian army is celebrating its 77th army day today, every year 15 January is commemorated as army day in recognition of Lieutenant General K.M. Cariappa’s taking over as the first commander-in-chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949. the sacrifices that many have made, and the lives that they have sacrificed to protect our nation are what this day is celebrated for.  The Indian army day shines light on the bravery and relentless determination, that our armed forces portray each day while being a living testament to their unbreakable determination in protecting our country.

Today, we all have gathered here to honour the brave Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the two world wars as part of the commonwealth army. More than 400 Indian soldiers who lost their lives during world war one and World War-II are laid to rest in various cemeteries across Lebanon.

Indian Army, with strength of over 1.4 million active personnel, is the world's second-largest military force and shoulders the highest of the burdens and is tasked with protecting India from external and internal threats, maintaining peace and security within the Indian borders, conducting rescue operations during natural calamities and disasters. Indian army is guided by the motto of ‘service before self’ and the history beckons that whenever called for, they have neither backed down nor given up. Also being the largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping forces more than 200,000 Indians have served in 49 of the 71 UN Peacekeeping Missions established around the world since 1948. Currently, there are more than 5300 troops and police from India who have been deployed to various UN Peacekeeping Missions and India is the fourth largest among the troop contributing countries. It gives me immense pride to mention that India has had a long tradition of sending women on UN Peacekeeping Missions as well. in 2007, India became the first country to deploy an all-women contingent to a UN Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia.

Indian Army’s dedication towards the service is paramount. Till date, more than 160 Indian peacekeepers have paid the ultimate price in service to peace losing their lives serving under the UN flag. Indian army personnel, Indian battalion serving under the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is a testimony to India's longest running contribution to maintaining peace and security in this region. The Indian Battalion has been deployed in the UNIFIL since November 1998 and has completed 26 years of peacekeeping operations in the Eastern sector of Lebanon-Israel border (Blue Line). Currently, INDBATT is represented by 7 Madras Regiment since May 2024. The Indian Battalion contingent consists of around 900 personnel which is one of the largest contingents in the UNIFIL. Indian battalion has been discharging its peacekeeping role with utmost professionalism and dedication. At the same time the Indian battalion has also developed excellent rapport with the local community with its sincere outreach initiatives. The battalion organises regular medical and veterinary camps for the local communities. Our embassy in collaboration with Indian battalion at UNIFIL has been undertaking quick impact projects in south Lebanon for which India is highly regarded by the local community.

Indian Army Day is a reminder of the immeasurable sacrifices our soldiers make, but it isn’t without a celebration either, as we take the time out of our day to express our gratitude. As we get ready to make our mark on the Indian Army Day 2025, let us stand with the soldiers and strive to be what they believe in.

Jai Hind!

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