India celebrates Infantry Day every year on 27th October to honour the bravery, sacrifice, and spirit of the Indian Army’s Infantry, often called the “Queen of Battle.” This day commemorates the first post-independence military operation of India in 1947, when troops of 1 SIKH Battalion were airlifted to Srinagar to defend Jammu & Kashmir from Pakistan’s invasion.
Historical Background
Date of significance:
- On October 27, 1947, the 1st Battalion of the Sikh Regiment (1 SIKH) was airlifted from Palam (Delhi) to Srinagar to protect the valley after Pakistan-backed tribal raiders invaded Kashmir.
Military importance:
- At that time, the enemy had reached the outskirts of Srinagar and was advancing to capture the Srinagar Airport — a critical point for military logistics. Losing it would have meant losing control over Kashmir.
Indian response:
- The rapid deployment of Indian infantry prevented the fall of Srinagar and turned the tide of the war, ensuring Jammu & Kashmir’s integration with India.
Major Somnath Sharma (Kumaon Regiment)
- Displayed exceptional courage in defending the Srinagar airport.
- Awarded India’s first Param Vir Chakra (PVC) posthumously.
- His sacrifice laid the foundation for the spirit of Indian Infantry — courage, duty, and selflessness.
About the Infantry
Meaning:
- Infantry refers to soldiers who fight on foot, forming the largest component of the Indian Army and serving as its frontline ground combat force.
Role:
- Infantry soldiers operate in all terrains — mountains, deserts, forests, snow, and riverine areas — making them the most versatile and combat-ready troops.
- They are responsible for capturing and holding ground, neutralizing enemy positions, and defending the nation’s borders.
Regimental Structure:
- The Indian Infantry consists of 27 regiments, most with pre-independence origins.
- Each regiment has multiple battalions (often 15–20), built on strong regional and cultural identities.
- This system creates a deep family-like bond among soldiers and ex-servicemen.
Modern Infantry:
- The Indian Infantry today is a technologically equipped, modernized force, using drones, night-vision devices, smart weaponry, and Made-in-India arms.
- It remains the most decorated wing of the Indian Army, having received the maximum number of gallantry awards, including Param Vir Chakras.
Recent Operations & Achievements
Galwan Valley (June 2020):
- Soldiers from the Bihar Regiment fought gallantly against the Chinese PLA in Eastern Ladakh.
Operation Sindoor (May 2025):
- Infantrymen successfully thwarted Pakistan’s infiltration attempts along the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K.
Operation Mahadev (July 2025):
- Infantry troops eliminated three Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists involved in the Pahalgam terror attack (April 22, 2025) — showcasing precision and intelligence-based coordination.
Special Forces:
- Infantry also includes elite battalions like the Parachute Regiment, which led Operation Uri Surgical Strike (2016).
Specialized Units:
- To meet modern warfare challenges, the Infantry has raised ‘Bhairav Light Combat Battalions’ — high-impact, quick-reaction units deployed opposite Pakistan and China.
- Five battalions are already operational; 16 more are being raised.
Leadership and Legacy
- Maximum Chiefs of Army Staff (COAS) have come from Infantry backgrounds.
- The current Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, belongs to the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles (JAK RIF) Regiment.
- Infantry continues to provide leadership across counter-terror operations, peacekeeping missions, and border defence.
Significance of Infantry Day
- Marks the Indian Army’s first battle action after independence.
- Symbolizes India’s resolve to defend its territorial integrity.
- Honors the valour, resilience, and sacrifices of Infantry soldiers across all wars and peacekeeping duties.
- Reinforces national unity and inspires citizens to remember those who defend the nation’s frontiers in extreme conditions.
Key Facts
| Topic | Key Facts |
| First Infantry Operation | 1 SIKH Battalion airlifted to Srinagar on 27 Oct 1947 to counter Pakistan’s invasion. |
| Param Vir Chakra (PVC) | India’s highest military gallantry award, established on 26 January 1950; Major Somnath Sharma was the first recipient. |
| Major Somnath Sharma | Regiment: Kumaon Regiment; Martyred defending Srinagar Airport in 1947. |
| Infantry Motto | “Follow Me” (symbolizing leadership from the front). |
| Nickname | “Queen of Battle” — most decisive and powerful arm in warfare. |
| Strength of Infantry | Comprises over one-third of total Indian Army manpower. |
| Notable Infantry Regiments | Rajputana Rifles, Gorkha Rifles, Jat Regiment, Sikh Regiment, Kumaon Regiment, Dogra Regiment, Bihar Regiment, Madras Regiment, Garhwal Rifles, JAK Rifles, etc. |
| Rashtriya Rifles | Counter-insurgency force operating under Infantry regiments in Jammu & Kashmir. |
| Galwan Clash (2020) | Troops from Bihar Regiment engaged in hand-to-hand combat with Chinese PLA in Eastern Ladakh. |
| Operation Vijay (1999) | Infantry played a decisive role in capturing Kargil heights during Kargil War. |
| Bhairav Light Combat Battalions | Newly raised specialized Infantry units for high-impact border operations against Pakistan and China. |
| Infantry Day Venue (2025) | Celebrated across Army Commands; wreath-laying ceremony held at National War Memorial, New Delhi. |
| Chief of Army Staff (2025) | General Upendra Dwivedi, J&K Rifles Regiment. |