Top 10 interesting facts about Indian Army

Top 10 interesting facts about Indian Army

Written by: Abhishek Nair

So today we will be discussing about top 10 interesting facts about one of the most proudest and oldest armies in the planet. It is so large in number that it is equal to the population of a small sized nation.

Fact 1

It was a battle fought between 21 Sikh soldiers against 10000 afghan soldiers on 12^th of September 1897. Afghans lost 180 soldiers while all 21 Sikhs died on battlefield. It was one of the greatest last stands in the military history.

Fact 2

In 1971, 93000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to Indian army. This is the largest number of POWs taken into custody since World War 2. It was during this war that India liberated Bangladesh as a free country in 13 days and installed a democratic government.

Fact 3

The Indian army’s high altitude warfare school (HAWS) is one of the most elite military training centers in the world. It is frequented by the special ops team from U.S, UK and Russia. U.S Special Forces trained at HAWS before their deployment during the invasion of Afghanistan.

Fact 4

The battle of Longewala was fought in December 1971 between India and Pakistan. Just 120 Indian soldiers with one jeep mounted with M40 recoilless rifle held the fort against 2000 Pakistani soldiers backed by 45 tanks and one mobility infantry brigade. Indian soldiers held their ground throughout the night and with the help of the Air force, were able to completely rout the aggressors.

Fact 5

Indian army built the highest bridge in the world in the world, it is located in Ladakh valley between Dars and Suru rivers in the Himalayan mountains. It was built by the Indian army in 1982.

Fact 6

The military engineering service (MES) is one of the biggest construction agencies in India. The MES has border roads organisation (BRO) are together responsible for the construction and maintenance of some of some of the most awesome roads and bridges ever to have build.

Fact 7

India controls the highest battlefield in the world, the Siachen glacier at 5000 meters above sea level. There is only 10% amount of oxygen available in Siachen than it is in plains. The temperature can drop well below minus 60 degrees. Wind here can cross the 100 mph limit in no time.

Fact 8

Indian army has horsed cavalry regiment namely 61^st cavalry regiment. It is among the last three regiment in the world.

Fact 9

The president’s bodyguard is Indian army’s oldest armoured regiment. It was formed back in 1776.

Fact 10

Indian army is the biggest “voluntary” army in the world. All serving and reserved personnel have opted for service. There is a provision for conscription (forced recruitment) in the constitution, but it has never been used.

Here are some of the few great wordings of our brave hero's before their last breath: