Field marshal (India)

A Field Marshal is the highest rank in the Indian Army, a largely ceremonial position conferred as a special honour. It is equivalent to a five-star general officer rank. Field Marshals in India hold their rank for life and are considered to be serving officers until their death, although they are generally not involved in active command. The rank is conferred by the President of India, upon the recommendation of the Government.

Only two officers have been conferred with the rank of Field Marshal in India:

• Kodandera Madappa Cariappa (K.M. Cariappa): The first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, he was awarded the rank in 1986.

• Sam Manekshaw: He was awarded the rank in 1973, in recognition of his service during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

While the rank is primarily ceremonial, it signifies immense respect and recognition of extraordinary service to the nation. No new Field Marshals have been appointed since Manekshaw, and it is generally understood that the rank is reserved for exceptional circumstances, such as wartime leadership of significant strategic importance.