The Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Pande has said that the Indian Army is modernising weapons and infrastructure, improving its processes and systems, adopting advanced technologies and partnering with industries to develop indigenous weapons and equipment to meet the present and future challenges.<br />''<br />''Addressing the 75th Army Day celebrations in Bengaluru today, the Army Chief said that the army is ready to tackle any contingency along the Indian borders. He pointed out that a strong defence posture and the use of anti-drone technologies have acted as a countermeasure against cross-border terrorism and insurgency. He promised that measures will be taken to tackle targeted killings in Jammu and Kashmir.<br />''<br />''Saying that ceasefire violations have reduced, General Manoj Pande said that the people here have rejected violence and joined hands with the Government inviting development.<br />''<br />''Speaking about modern warfare using disruptive technologies, non-kinetic warfare, and cyber and space war tactics as in the Russia-Ukraine war, the Chief said that the army is ready to face such challenges.<br />''<br />''The Army is making strides in the use of niche technologies like Quantum Communication, Artificial Intelligence, block chaining, unmanned systems and directed energy weapons.<br />''<br />''The soldiers are provided advanced weapons and equipment and move from a manpower centric to a tech-driven Atmanirbhar army. He expressed satisfaction at the progress made by the Agniveer scheme. He pointed out that transparent and automated processes are used to recruit Agniveers and given training using simulators and other modern training methods. He said that at the end of four years of service of Agniveers, they will be fit to serve the country with their skill sets.<br />''<br />''The Army Chief pointed out that Army Day is observed in Bengaluru is special as Field Marshal K M Cariappa, the first Commander in Chief of the Indian Army after Independence hails from Madikeri in Karnataka.<br />''<br />''Before addressing the audience at the Army day ceremony, General Pande awarded Shourya Chakra to Lance Naik Gopal Singh Bhadoria posthumously and the Sena Medal gallantry award to other brave martyrs and soldiers who showed exemplary courage during anti-terrorist and anti-insurgency operations.<br />''<br />''An elegant majestic parade by eight contingents was the cynosure of all eyes.<br />''<br />''President Droupadi Murmu today recalled Indian Army soldiers' sacrifices on the occasion of Army Day. In her message, President Murmu said they have always pushed the frontiers of valour and courage, and also acted as saviours in times of calamities. She saluted the soldiers of the Indian Army and their families on this occasion.<br />''<br />''Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar greeted all Indian Army personnel and veterans on Army Day. In his message, Mr Dhankhar said their valour, determination and devotion to duty form the foundation of India's security. He said, the nation is ever grateful for their selfless service.<br />''<br />''Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed his best wishes to all army personnel, veterans and their families. In his message, he said every Indian is proud of the  Army and will always be grateful to the soldiers. Mr Modi said they have always kept the nation safe and are widely admired for their service during times of crisis.<br />