Indian Armed Forces Salute: Indian Army, Air Force and Navy Salute

This article contains detailed information about Indian Armed Forces Salute including Indian Army Salute, Indian Air Force Salute and Indian Navy Salute

Table of Contents

Indian Armed Forces Salute

Have you ever noticed that the three Armed Forces of India have different positions of hand while doing a salute? Ever wondered why? In this article, we will provide you with complete details regarding the hand positions of the Indian Armed Forces during the salute. You will also get to know why is this difference in hand gestures despite being the Armed Forces of one country and also its significance behind it.

A Salute is a gesture of respect, trust and josh among soldiers which encourages an amour proper in their ever-shining uniforms while at the same time elevates them in their own eyes by reminding them all of what is implied by the profession and its traditions of chivalry, courtesy and valour. It is the highest form of respect that the armed forces display.

History of Indian Army Salute, Indian Air Force Salute, Indian Navy Salute

The salute is often thought to date back to Roman times, but there is no evidence that soldiers raised their hands as a formal greeting. Another theory is that it originated in medieval Europe when knights used their hands to raise their visors, revealing their identity to demonstrate they were friendly.

A salute is a form of respect not to an individual but to the uniform and the designation of the officer concerned. Elaborate rules have been laid down to define the manner in which an official would do the salute – and about the protocol of rank for officers who will accept the salute. Apart from this, a salute is not just a gesture, it is a symbol and it has a meaning. The salutes in the armed forces are different for Army, Navy and Air Force that have evolved over time and are steeped in tradition and you will be surprised to know the meaning behind the salutes of our tri-services.

Indian Armed Forces Salute

Indian Army Salute

Open palm facing the person in front

In the Indian Army, a salute is executed by an open palm gesture with the weapon hand, with fingers and thumb together and the middle finger almost touching the hatband or the eyebrow. It not only establishes trust among the personnel but also proves that the person saluting has not hidden any weapons and they can trust them.

Indian Air Force Salute

Open palm at a 45-degree angle to the ground

In the Indian Air Force, the salute involves the palm at a 45-degree angle to the ground and the right arm being sharply raised from the front by the shortest possible way showing progress towards the skies. Earlier it used to be like the Army’s salute with the palm facing up. New salute norms to its personnel were introduced in March 2006.

Indian Navy Salute

Open palm facing the ground

In Indian Navy, a salute is executed with the palm facing the ground at a 90-degree angle to the forehead.

In the olden days, since the sailors were always working on their ships, their hands would get greasy and dirty. So they started saluting with their palms facing down, so as to not disrespect their seniors.

You may also like to read:-

Indian Navy Rank and Insignia

Indian Army Ranks and Insignia of India

FAQs

What is the salute in the Indian Armed Forces?

The salute in the Indian Armed Forces is a gesture of respect, performed by raising the right hand to the headgear or forehead.

What is the significance of the salute in the Indian Armed Forces?

The salute signifies discipline, hierarchy, and adherence to military traditions, emphasizing the chain of command and mutual respect within the armed forces

Can a soldier salute while not in uniform?

Generally, saluting is expected when in uniform, but soldiers may salute when not in uniform if the situation calls for it, such as during military ceremonies or when representing the armed forces.