Awarded only twice, field marshal is a rank bestowed on generals for ceremonial purposes or during times of war.

Immediately after the war, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi decided to promote Manekshaw to Field Marshal and subsequently to appoint him as the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS).

On 3 January 1973, after his term as the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Manekshaw was promoted to field marshal at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

A few weeks before Manekshaw's appointment, the first Indian field marshal's badges of rank were made at the Army workshop in Delhi Cantonment.

The Government of India elected to promote Cariappa regardless due to his exemplary service and conferred the rank of field marshal on him on 15 January 1986 at a special investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

[7] A field marshal's insignia consists of the national emblem over a crossed baton and sabre in a lotus blossom wreath.

The decisive results achieved by the Indian Army during this war, under the able military leadership of Manekshaw, gave the nation a new sense of confidence,[14] and in recognition of his services, in January 1973 the President of India conferred the rank of field marshal on him.

Abdul Kalam took the initiative when he met Manekshaw in Wellington, and made sure that the field marshal was presented with a cheque for ₹1.3 crores–his arrears of pay for over 30 years.

Cariappa joined the British Indian Army on 1 December 1920, and was commissioned as temporary second lieutenant in the 2/88 Carnatic Infantry.

[24][25] As a token of gratitude for the exemplary service rendered by him to the nation, the Government of India conferred the rank of field marshal on Cariappa in his 87th year, on 15 January 1986.