New Delhi, Jan 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind wished the Army troopers, officers and veterans on the 70th Army Day on Monday. The two leaders said the nation would always remain indebted to the sacrifices made by the armed forces to secure the lives of the citizens.

The Army Day is celebrated annually on January 15 to recall Field Marshal K Cariappa’s taking over of the reigns of Indian Army from the last British Commander-in-Chief Sir Francis Butcher, in 1949.

“On Army Day, greetings to the valiant men and women of the Indian Army, to veterans and to families of those who have worn the uniform. You are our nation’s pride, the sentinels of our liberty. Citizens sleep securely knowing you are ever awake and ever vigilant #PresidentKovind,” said the tweet released from the official twitter handle of President Kovind.

PM Modi, in his tweet, described the Indian Army as a “humanitarian” outfit which remains at the forefront “during times of natural disasters and other accidents”.

 

“Our Army always puts the nation first. I salute all those great individuals who sacrificed their lives while serving the nation. India will never forget our valiant heroes,” PM Modi further added.

Earlier in the day, Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat issued a stern warning to Pakistan during his Army Day speech. Gen Rawat said the errant neighbour should expect a “stronger reaction” from India, if it continues to aid the infiltration of terrorists from its side of the border.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 15, 2018 05:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).