Chennai: In a significant leap toward defence self-reliance, the Indian Army has established its latest research hub — ‘Agnishodh’, the Indian Army Research Cell (IARC) — in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. The state-of-the-art facility was inaugurated by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), during his visit to Chennai as part of the ongoing effort to integrate academia and battlefield innovation under the Decade of Transformation.
Modernisation Through Academia–Army Collaboration
‘Agnishodh’ is a key initiative under the Indian Army’s “Five Pillars of Transformation,” specifically aligning with the pillar of Modernisation and Technology Infusion. The cell will foster cutting-edge R&D in collaboration with IIT Madras, aimed at real-time operational deployment of technologies developed in Indian laboratories.
During his keynote address on the theme “Operation Sindoor – A New Chapter in India’s Fight Against Terrorism,” General Dwivedi spotlighted the 88-hour tri-service operation as a defining moment in India’s evolving counter-terrorism approach — executed seamlessly across the DIME (Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic) framework.
IIT Madras to Power India’s Defence Tech Ecosystem
The COAS praised IIT Madras for its leadership in defence innovation, especially its work on Project SAMBHAV and additive manufacturing in collaboration with Army Base Workshops. He stated that ‘Agnishodh’ will transform academic excellence into battlefield capability, playing a central role in realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The cell will further expand its impact via IIT Madras Research Park, collaborating with the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Centre (AMTDC) and Pravartak Technologies Foundation to convert lab-scale prototypes into deployable solutions for India’s armed forces.
Focus on Upskilling, Emerging Tech and Human Capital
‘Agnishodh’ will also serve as a training platform for military personnel in domains such as:
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Additive Manufacturing
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Cybersecurity
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Quantum Computing
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Wireless Communication
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Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
This marks a strategic push to build a tech-enabled human resource pool within the defence forces.
General Dwivedi also acknowledged the ongoing projects at IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, and IISc Bengaluru, and emphasised continued alignment with national technology missions like INDIAai, Chip-to-Startup, and Project QuILA, in partnership with MCTE Mhow.
OTA Visit and Veteran Recognition
On the same visit, the COAS inspected the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, reviewing modern pedagogical techniques and infrastructure upgrades. Highlighting the growing complexities of modern warfare — including grey zone threats and psychological operations — he reiterated that future battles will be won where “boots share space with bots.”
He also interacted with a gathering of veterans, awarding Veteran Achievers Awards to four exemplary ex-servicemen for their continued contributions to national development post-retirement.
Operation Sindoor: New Counter-Terrorism Doctrine
In his detailed reflection on Operation Sindoor, General Dwivedi credited the Indian Armed Forces with delivering a strategic and punitive response that compelled Pakistan to seek a ceasefire within 88 hours. The operation, he stated, redefined India’s approach to fifth-generation warfare, marked by speed, precision, coordination, and psychological dominance.
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