The Indian Army (IA, Devan?gar? (Devanagari): ?????? ??????, Bh?rat?ya Sthals?n?) is the land based branch (army) and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. Its primary mission is to ensure the national security and defense (Defense (military)) of the Republic of India (India) from external aggression and threats, and maintaining peace and security within its borders. It also conducts humanitarian rescue operations during natural calamities and other disturbances.

The Indian Army came into being when India gained independence (Independence Day (India)) in 1947, and inherited most of the infrastructure of the British Indian Army that were located in post-partition India. It is a voluntary service and although a provision for military conscription exists in the Indian constitution, it has never been imposed.

Since independence, the Army has been involved in four wars with neighboring Pakistan and one with the Peoples Republic of China. Other major operations undertaken by the Army include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot and Operation Cactus. Apart from conflicts, the Army has been an active participant in United Nations peacekeeping (History of United Nations Peacekeeping) missions. The President of India serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Army. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), a General, is a four star commander and commands the Army. There is never more than one serving general at any given time in the Army. Two officers have been conferred the rank of Field Marshal, a 5-star rank and the officer serves as the ceremonial chief.

With about 1,414,000 soldiers in active service (Active duty) and about 1,800,000 reserve troops (Military reserve), the Indian Army is the worlds second largest active standing army and the largest in terms of army populace. By 2020, the Indian Army plans to upgrade 4,000 T-72s, over 2,500 T-90s, and few thousand other tanks.