Civil-Military Relations in the Present Context

Abstract

India is a vibrant plural democracy. The Indian armed forces were inherited from the British on attaining independence. The Indian soldier who forms a part of the three Services has been involved in combat right from the formation of the nation, The Indian soldier has always followed the motto stated by Field Marshal Philip Chetwode which states that the honour, safety, and welfare of the country comes first always, and every time, the honour, safety, and welfare of the men you command comes next; and your own comforts come last, always and every time.1 Whatever be the situation, the soldiers of the three Services have placed service before self and served the nation, its elected representatives, and the nation with humility, courage, and fortitude. The soldiers have always risen to the occasion and enabled the nation to grow as the world's biggest and most vibrant democracy. At the current juncture, the Indian armed forces are professional and can execute operations with the military profession.