Bengaluru, Jan 15 (UNI) Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande on Sunday said the Indian Army is maintaining a strong defence posture along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and is ready to deal with any contingency.

He made this statement addressing the 75th Army Day celebrations here.

General Pande said the ceasefire continues at LOC along the western border and there has been a substantial drop in violations. However, the terror infrastructure still remains on the other side of the border.

He said the army is determined to foil all targeted killings carried out by proxy outfits to gain visibility. India's counter-infiltration grid is continuously thwarting infiltration from there, he added.

General Pande said counter-drone jammers are being used to thwart the attempts of smuggling arms and drugs into Jammu and Punjab border regions using drones.

On the Jammu and Kashmir situation, he said people there have shunned violence and are welcoming positive change.

General Pande said the Army has played a vital role in bringing down the level of violence and making insurgents leave the path of violence in the northeastern region.

Breaking the traditions, the Army Day Parade, which used to be held in New Delhi since its inception in 1949, was inaugurated in Govindswamy Parade Ground on the premises of MEG and Centre.

General Pande reviewed the parade and presented gallantry awards for individual acts of bravery and sacrifice.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tributes to the serving and retired personnel and hailed their commitment in protecting the country and its borders and said their valour was matchless.

Modi also took to Twitter and said, "On Army Day, I convey my best wishes to all army personnel, veterans and their families. Every Indian is proud of our Army and will always be grateful to our soldiers."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, besides other leaders, extended their greetings.