It is the branch of Indian armed forces, specialized in operating on land. The primary mission of the Indian Army is to ensure national security and national unity, defending the nation from external aggression and internal threats, and maintaining peace and security within its borders. On 15th January 1949, Lieutenant General K.M. Cariappa took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, and this day is celebrated as the Army Day in India. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is the ministry charged with the responsibilities of countering insurgency and ensuring external security of India. General Bipin Rawat is the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).