Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi has inaugurated ‘Agnishodh’, the Indian Army Research Cell at IIT Madras, aimed at turning academic research into defence-ready technologies. The centre supports the Army’s Five Pillars of Transformation and focuses on self-reliance under the vision of “Swadeshikaran Se Sashaktikaran”.
The new research centre will collaborate with IIT Madras Research Park and entities like the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Centre (AMTDC) and the Pravartak Technologies Foundation, focusing on converting lab-scale innovations into deployable technologies. It will also help upskill military personnel in emerging domains, including additive manufacturing, cybersecurity, quantum computing, wireless communication, and unmanned aerial systems.
During his two-day visit, the Army Chief also addressed OTA Chennai officers, highlighting the need for integrated responses to grey zone warfare. He described Operation Sindoor as a landmark tri-service mission that demonstrated India’s ability to deliver precise and coordinated action, compelling Pakistan to seek a ceasefire within 88 hours. He said future wars will need both soldiers and smart technologies. He also honoured four veterans with Veteran Achievers Awards for their continued service.
