The primary responsibility of the nation`s security and defense rests in the hands of the Indian Armed Forces. The President of India functions as the absolute commander of the armed forces. All service personnel are volunteers although the government is empowered to undertake conscription if considered necessary for India`s defense. However, India has never had conscription, even during the Indo-Pakistani Wars and the Sino-Indian War. The armed forces retain much of the organizational structure established by the British. However, the armed forces are an essential character of India`s strategic importance, power and capabilities, which have increased after India became a declared nuclear weapons state The Ministry of Defense dispensed the control to the Indian Armed forces, which is primarily consisting of the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force.

Indian Air Force:
The Indian Air Force is the fourth leading air force in the world, relying mainly on Soviet technology for its growth and development. The Indian Air Force was officially established on 8 October 1932.Its first ac flight was built on 01 April 1933. It had strength of six RAF-trained officers and 19 Havai Sepoys or `air soldiers`. The aircraft inventory comprised of four Westland Wapiti IIA army co-operation biplanes at Drigh Road as the "A" Flight core of the `planned No.1 (Army Co- operation) Squadron`.

It is only recently that India has started building its own original aircrafts, including the HAL Tejas, which is a fourth generation fighter. There are reports that Russia and India have planned to start a joint venture of constructing fifth generation aircraft. India has also developed UAV called Nishant and advance light helicopter. Recently it has accomplished a trial of long-range BVR air-to-air missile name Astra. It also has carried on a successful test of BMD system and thus became the fourth country in the world to carry on such thing.

Indian Army
The Indian Army is an integral part of Indian Armed forces, acquiring the status of being the worlds second largest one in terms of military personnel. It is a totally charitable service; the military outline was never been forced in India. The Chief of Army Staff, heads the force. The highest rank in the Indian Army is Field Marshal. It is a largely ceremonial rank and the President of India, on the advice of the Union Cabinet of Ministers, makes appointments and that too in exceptional circumstances. The army has rich fighting experience in varied regions of Indian subcontinent. It also has an illustrious history of taking part in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

The Indian Navy:
Among the other Indian armed forces, The Indian Navy is a significant one. In terms of manpower, it is ranked as the fourth largest navy in the world. The navy is considered to have blue-water capabilities. It is quite superior in terms of technology, keeping in control of one of two Asian aircraft carriers. Two more aircraft carriers are on order and will be joining the Indian Navy. The ships of the Indian Navy are of Indian and foreign origin.

Over the years, there are several things that Indian Navy has accomplished, thus making the nation to be proud of them. It has established its role in providing support to maritime neighbors during natural disasters. This was demonstrated during the Asian tsunami crisis. To support relief efforts in neighboring countries, they have sent 35 ships. The Indian navy has also actively participated in UN missions in the coast of Somalia and has provided security to an African Union summit held in Mozambique.

Besides there are also `auxiliary services`. They are namely the Indian Coast Guard, the Indian Paramilitary Forces and the Strategic Forces Command. The Indian Coast Guard is the fourth service created to guard Republic of India`s vast coastline. It was created on 18 August 1978 as an independent entity as per the Coast Guard Act. Indian armed forces serve the nation with utmost sincerity, thus protecting it from all the external threats and adversities.