Dehradun, Dec. 14 -- A total of 491 cadets were formally commissioned as officers in the Indian Army during the 157th Passing Out Parade at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun on Saturday. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi presided over the occasion, congratulating the new officers and wishing them success in their military careers. General Dwivedi highlighted that the modern security environment is dynamic, spanning military, societal, and technological domains. He cited Operation Sindoor as an apt demonstration of India's adaptability, showcasing the effective synchronisation of diplomatic efforts with decisive military action. Lauding the IMA's illustrious legacy, he said the academy has consistently produced visionary leaders and intrepid officers who uphold the highest traditions of courage and honour. He further emphasised that the Indian Army continues to evolve rapidly through modernisation and innovation, and the newly commissioned officers will play a pivotal role in this ongoing transformation. Apart from the 491 Indian cadets, 34 foreign cadets from 14 friendly nations also graduated from the academy. The Sword of Honour and Gold Medal (First in Order of Merit) were awarded to Academy Cadet Adjutant (ACA) Nishkal Dwivedi. The Silver Medal (Second in Order of Merit) went to Battalion Under Officer (BUO) Badal Yadav, while the Bronze Medal (Third in Order of Merit) was conferred on Senior Under Officer (SUO) Kamaljeet Singh. Officer Cadet Jadhav Sujeet Sampat received the Silver Medal for securing first position in the Technical Graduate Course (TGC), and Wing Cadet Captain (WCC) Abhinav Mehrotra was awarded the Silver Medal for securing first position in the Technical Entry Scheme (TES) - 46. The Silver Medal for the Special Commissioned Officers Course was awarded to Officer Cadet Sunil Kumar Chhetri. Among the foreign cadets, Junior Warrant Officer (JWO) Mohammad Safin Ashraf of Bangladesh received the medal for first position in order of merit. Imphal Company was awarded the Chief of the Army Staff's Banner for overall best performance in the Autumn Term 2025. During the parade, army helicopters flew past the drill square, showering petals over the marching contingent as it entered the Chetwode building for the ceremonial Antim Pag (last step), marking their transformation from cadets to officers of the Indian Army....