In a step towards strengthening self-reliance in defence technology, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Monday inaugurated ‘Agnishodh’, the Indian Army Research Cell (IARC), at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. The facility aims to integrate academic research with real-time operational applications, reinforcing the Army’s modernization and technology infusion goals under the Five Pillars of Transformation framework.
Speaking on the occasion, General Dwivedi highlighted the evolving nature of warfare and India’s preparedness for fifth-generation conflicts driven by non-contact warfare, psychological dominance, and advanced technology. He reiterated the Army’s commitment to self-reliance under the vision of “Swadeshikaran Se Sashaktikaran”, citing collaborations with national technology missions such as INDIAai, Chip-to-Startup, and Project QuILA. He also lauded previous research partnerships with IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, and IISc Bengaluru, emphasizing that AGNISHODH will transform academic excellence into battlefield innovation, accelerating India’s march towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
The new research centre will collaborate with IIT Madras Research Park and entities like Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Centre (AMTDC) and 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, General Dwivedi also addressed officers at OTA Chennai, where he spoke on the changing nature of warfare, citing grey zone conflicts and the need for integrated responses. 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. “Future conflicts will demand a blend of conventional strength and modern capabilities, where boots must share space with bots,” he remarked.
The Army Chief also interacted with veterans, felicitating four distinguished ex-servicemen with Veteran Achievers Awards for their continued service to the nation.