Indian Army Day is observed every year on January 15 to honour the courage, discipline and sacrifice of the soldiers who safeguard the nation’s borders. Indian Army Day marks an important moment in the country’s military history. On January 15, 1949, Lieutenant General K M Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the country’s armed forces. He succeeded General Sir Francis Roy Bucher, who was the last British commander, in the position.