Do Army Officers Salute IPS Officers?

The Indian Armed Forces and the Indian Police Service (IPS) are two of the most respected institutions in the country. While both play crucial roles in maintaining internal and external security, they belong to different chains of command, operate under different ministries, and follow distinct traditions. One common question that often sparks curiosity, especially among aspirants and civilians, is: Do Army officers salute IPS officers?

To answer this, we must explore military tradition, civil service structure, and the nuances of inter-service protocol.

The Tradition of Saluting in the Military

Saluting is a time-honored custom in military organizations across the world. In the Indian Army, it is a gesture of mutual respect, discipline, and acknowledgment of superior rank. Lower-ranking officers and jawans salute their seniors within the military hierarchy, such as a Lieutenant saluting a Major or a Sepoy saluting a Subedar.

A salute is not merely a physical gesture—it symbolizes loyalty, acknowledgment of command, and military courtesy embedded within the forces’ chain of command.

Hierarchy in the Army: Rank Matters

The Army follows a strict rank-based structure, beginning from Sepoy at the base, rising to officers like Captains, Colonels, and Generals. The saluting protocol is internal, meant only for those within this military chain.

Key point: An Army officer salutes only those who hold a senior rank within the military. This is governed by service protocols, not general government hierarchy.

IPS Officers: Pillars of Civil Law and Order

The Indian Police Service (IPS) is part of the All India Services. IPS officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, crime prevention, and internal security. They serve in state and central governments and are trained at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy.

While they hold significant authority in civil administration and law enforcement, IPS officers are not part of the military structure. Their ranks, such as SP, DIG, or DGP, do not correspond to the Army's ranks and are not recognized in the military's saluting protocol.

Army-IPS Relationship: Courtesy vs. Protocol

So, do Army officers salute IPS officers?

The short answer is: No, they are not required to.

Army officers are not obligated to salute IPS officers because IPS ranks are not part of the military chain of command.

However, there are situations where an Army officer may voluntarily salute an IPS officer:

• Out of courtesy, particularly if the IPS officer holds a high-ranking post like DGP.
• During joint operations, where mutual respect and coordination are crucial.
• In ceremonial events, where inter-service decorum may encourage such gestures.

In these cases, the salute is not a mark of military submission, but a gesture of professional respect.

When Army Officers Don’t Salute IPS Officers

There are also scenarios where saluting is not expected or observed:

• In routine interactions between the forces.
• When rank parity is unclear or the interaction does not involve joint command.
• During formal military inspections or briefings, where only military hierarchy is acknowledged.

Mutual Respect is Paramount

The absence of a formal saluting protocol does not imply any disrespect. In fact, the Indian Army and IPS have immense respect for each other’s roles. Both institutions often:

• Conduct joint counter-terrorism operations.
• Coordinate in border management and internal security (especially in insurgency-affected areas).
• Collaborate during disaster relief and VIP protection.

Such cooperation fosters trust, coordination, and mutual admiration, even without ceremonial salutes.

Instances of Collaboration

Here are some real-life contexts where Army and IPS officers work hand-in-hand:

• Jammu & Kashmir and Northeast: The Army, Assam Rifles, and paramilitary forces work with IPS officers during counter-insurgency ops.
• Election deployments: Central forces under Army logistics coordinate with local IPS officers.
• National disaster response: IPS-led police forces and the Army often conduct rescue operations together.

Conclusion: Protocol and Professionalism

To summarize: