Indian Army Commander Sam Manekshaw's promotion to field Marshall--India's first--was formalised when he was handed his badges of rank by President V.V. Giri at a ceremony in New Delhi on Tuesday (January 2). His promotion, announced on December 31, was 'in recognition of his outstanding services', according to the Indian Defence Ministry.

Field Marshal Manekshaw, who held the rank of General before his promotion, led the Indian Army to victory against Pakistan during the 1971 war for Bangladesh.

His promotion is for life, but the Indian Defence Ministry had not made it clear whether he would remain Army Commander. Field Marshal Manekshaw was due to retire next April, but has been asked to stay on. When he took over as Army chief in 1969, he was the first Commander trained exclusively in India. Earlier generals had been trained at Sandhurst Military College in England.

Among those present at Tuesday's ceremony were Indian Premier Mrs. Indira Gandhi and Vice- President G.S. Pathak.

SYNOPSIS: India Premier Mrs. Indira Gandhi was present at a ceremony in New Delhi on Tuesday in which India's first Field Marshal, Army Commander Sam Manekshaw, was presented with his badges of rank by President Giri. The army chief, who was accompanied by his wife, led the Indian Army to victory in the 1971 war against Pakistan over Bangladesh.

Vice-President Pathak, seated with Mrs. Gandhi, was among official guests at the ceremony. Field Marshal Manekshaw's promotion, announced on December 31, was 'in recognition of his outstanding services', according to the Ministry of Defence.

When Field Marshal Manekshaw was given command of the Indian army in 1969, he was the first exclusively Indian-trained general to hold the post. His predecessors had been trained at Sandhurst Military College in England.