New Delhi. 26 July 2023. The President Draupadi Murmu paid glowing tributes to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Kargil War. She noted that many soldiers from Odisha are among those who sacrificed their lives in the service of Mother India. Major Padmapani Acharya was honoured with Maha Vir Chakra for his contribution. She said that the bravery of these soldiers will always remain a source of inspiration for our citizens. The President who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of India was addressing students in Orissa.
The President can declare war or conclude peace, on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister, as the Supreme Commander. All important treaties and contracts are made in the President’s name.
Article 53 of the Constitution states that the executive power of the Union shall be vested in the President of India. Article 53(2) states, “Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provision, the supreme command of the Defence Forces of the Union shall be vested in the President and the exercise thereof shall be regulated by law”.
But the powers of the presidency are given in Article 74 which states that the president shall exercise his functions only on the aid and advice of the council of ministers headed by the prime minister.
