COAS witnessed the Southern Star Idea Innovation Display, which highlighted innovative projects and indigenous R&D initiatives developed in partnership with Pune-based industries
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, was briefed on the operational preparedness of the formation during his visit to the Headquarters Southern Command.
“COAS also witnessed the Southern Star Idea Innovation Display, which highlighted innovative projects and indigenous R&D initiatives developed in partnership with Pune-based industries,” said the Indian Army on a post in X.
COAS General Dwivedi interacted with innovators and industry representatives, praising their initiatives and stressing the importance of innovation in tackling modern military challenges.
He acknowledged the progressive mindset demonstrated at the event and reinforced the “Indian Army’s commitment to harnessing technology and supporting Atmanirbharta to propel the nation towards its vision of Viksit Bharat 2047,” the Army Chief said.
Earlier on Wednesday, COAS Dwivedi presented the prestigious President’s Colours to four battalions of the Mechanised Infantry during a solemn ceremony at the Mechanised Infantry Centre and School (MIC&S), Ahilyanagar.
The event was a recognition of their exemplary and meritorious service to the Nation. The President’s Colours were awarded to the 26th and 27th Battalions of Mechanised Infantry Regiment and the 20th and 22nd Battalions of Brigade of The Guards, marking a proud moment for the youngest battalions of the Army.
The grand ceremony was attended by a large number of veterans, military personnel, and civil dignitaries, a release said.
The COAS reviewed the Colour Presentation Parade, applauding the immaculate standards displayed by the marching and mounted contingents of the four Mechanised Infantry battalions.
He congratulated all ranks, particularly the honoured battalions, and commended the professionalism of the Mechanised Infantry in both war and peace.
As the youngest and most versatile combat arms of the Indian Army, the Mechanised Infantry blends the best of Infantry and Mechanised Forces. Its battalions, renowned for their valour and prowess, are deployed across all theatres and in UN Peacekeeping missions.
‘India at centre stage of global optimism’
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan said on Thursday India is at the centre stage of global optimism today while underlining that the country’s landscape necessitates a self-reliant defence sector.
“We have become the fifth-largest economy in the world. As we march ahead on the path of progress and prosperity, we believe that self-reliance and indigenous defence capabilities are the foundations to enduring peace. India’s security landscape necessitates a robust and self-reliant defence sector, he added.
The CDS said this while addressing the inaugural session of the Defence Partnership Days – organised jointly by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies and Indian Military Review in Delhi.
The event was inaugurated by Gen Anil Chauhan along with Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar.
Talking about various reforms and initiatives by the government in the defence sector, Gen Anil Chauhan said: “India has opened up its defence industry through reforms. It has opened it up for private industry, joint ventures, FDI, etc. But, we are yet to fully open up our minds. To really succeed, we will have to imbibe the ‘4I’s and be – innovative, inventive, indigenous and imaginative.”
Gen Anil Chauhan underscored that a common thread that binds all stakeholders is the national interest.
The whole enterprise of indigenisation will not succeed if the glue of National Interest does not bind all the elements, he added.
He said that as India marches ahead on the path of progress and prosperity, self-reliance and indigenous defence capabilities are the foundations to enduring peace.
Stating that the investments in defence manufacturing takes time to accrue returns, and the time gap in defence R&D is even longer, and also the outcome can also be uncertain, CDS suggested that the Defence Bank with earlier loan terms can be one option, in addition to funding in projects like iDEX and TDF.
He also suggested formulation of defence policies in emerging technologies like space, AI, quantum and autonomous systems that give direction to the industry as to how the services see the future unfolding.
Over 200 companies and 100 officers from the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces, dealing with technology and procurement are participating in the two-day event.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the event is designed to bring together government and business stakeholders, and to facilitate strategic engagements through a series of targeted business-to-government (B2G) and business-to-business (B2B) meetings.
On the sidelines of the event, an exhibition by 75 companies is being organized to showcase what the industry has to offer for building the nation’s defence capabilities.
Focus on cyber warfare, terrorism, Prez tells armed forces
President Murmu on Thursday said that the armed forces not only need to secure India’s national interests but also prepare for new security challenges like cyber warfare and terrorism.
Addressing student officers and faculty of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, Tamil Nadu, she said, “In the fast-changing geo-political environment, we need to be well-prepared to tackle any situation. We not only have to secure our national interests but also prepare for new national security challenges like cyber warfare and terrorism.”
She expressed confidence that courses at Defence Services Staff College will prepare student officers for higher responsibilities and as strategists who can deal with complex situations in an effective manner.
The President said the college has made commendable contribution to training and educating potential leaders of the armed forces of India and friendly foreign countries and selected civilian officers.
She said our Defence personnel, who always serve with the spirit of ‘Nation First’, deserve high praise.
The President welcomed the fact that women officers were now commanding various units in all the three services.
“I am also delighted to know that there are some women officers among you, attending this course. I hope that the number of women officers in this course will rise in the near future,” she said.
She expressed hope of witnessing more and more women joining the armed forces, where they can demonstrate exceptional capabilities and break new ground in uncharted territories.
The President said that India is rising and the world is acknowledging its growth in various sectors including Defence.
“India is moving towards indigenisation and self-reliance to keep the armed forces ready to meet future challenges. Our country is being developed as a major Defence manufacturing hub, and is moving towards becoming a reliable Defence partner and big exporter,” she said.
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