Army

The Indian Army conducted a Curtain Raiser event today for the upcoming Tri-Services Academia Technology Symposium at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The event was conducted in coordination with Integrated Defence Staff, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.

The event formally launched preparations for the main symposium scheduled to be held on 22–23 September 2025. Themed ‘Vivek va Anusandhan se Vijay’, the initiative aims to deepen collaboration between the Armed Forces and academia for the development of cutting-edge indigenous technologies.

The primary objective of the symposium is to develop an integrated perspective for creating a synergised Services – Academia R&D ecosystem. It seeks to identify and harness the scientific potential within academic institutions to meet the niche technological needs of the Indian Armed Forces, thereby contributing to long-term self-reliance in defence capabilities.

As part of the Curtain Raiser, a dedicated portal was inaugurated to facilitate participation from academic institutions across the country. The portal allows institutions to register their representatives, who can either attend the symposium as ‘Attendees’ or submit project proposals and exhibits. Attendees will be able to take part in the various seminars and panel discussions planned for the final event, offering a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Submitted proposals and exhibits will be reviewed by subject matter experts from the respective Defence Services. Shortlisted entries will be invited for one-on-one discussions with services representatives and will be showcased during the exhibition segment of the symposium. The most promising innovations and proposals will be recognised and felicitated during the valedictory session.

The Tri-Services Academia Technology Symposium represents a key initiative towards narrowing down the gap between academic research and defence application. It reaffirms the Armed Forces’ commitment to nurturing indigenous technological innovation in alignment with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The Army Commanders’ Conference, an apex level biannual event, is being held in New Delhi from 25 to 28 October 2021. During the event, Indian Army’s apex leadership is comprehensively deliberating upon all aspects of existing security scenarios, situation along the borders and in the hinterland and challenges for the present security apparatus. In addition, the conference is also focusing on issues pertaining to organisational restructuring, logistics, administration and human resource management. The main highlight of the third day of the conference was the address by the Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, to the senior leadership of the Indian Army preceded by a brief on the present and future plans of the Indian Army.

        The Raksha Mantri reaffirmed the faith of the billion-plus citizens on the Indian Army as one of the most trusted and inspiring organisations in the country. He reiterated the stellar role played by the Army in guarding our borders and fighting terrorism apart from providing assistance to the civil administration whenever called for. The Raksha Mantri also appreciated the role played by Indian Armed Forces in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.   The Raksha Mantri also remarked “The Army is omnipresent in all domains from Security, HADR, Medical Assistance to maintaining the stable internal situation in the country.  The role of Indian Army is very important in Nation building as also in the overall national development”.

The Raksha Mantri complimented the forces for the high standard of operational preparedness and capabilities which he experienced firsthand during his visits to forward areas. He also paid tributes to all the bravehearts for making the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the motherland. He complimented the significant contributions made by the Army in military diplomacy to further our national security interests by creating sustainable cooperative relationships with foreign Armies.

The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri stressed upon the technological advancement taking place in every sphere of our life and applauded the Armed Forces for aptly incorporating them. He appreciated the Army’s efforts to develop niche technologies in collaboration with civil industries including premier educational institutions.

Commenting on the current situation along the Northern borders, the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri expressed full confidence that while troops are standing firm, the ongoing talks for peaceful resolution of crisis will continue. Expressing his gratitude, he remarked “It is our national responsibility to ensure availability of best weapons, equipment and clothing to our troops braving extreme weather and hostile forces to defend our territorial integrity”. The Raksha Mantri also complimented the efforts of BRO working under difficult conditions to connect far flung areas so that our citizens living in those locations are connected and facilitate faster development.

Referring to the situation along the Western borders, he complimented the Indian Army’s response to cross border terrorism. The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri said “I compliment the excellent synergy between the CAPF/ Police forces and the Army in tackling the menace of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The synergised operations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is getting the region to a stable and peaceful environment conducive for overall growth and development”.

The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri said that “The Government is focused on enhancing combat capability and ensuring welfare of soldiers”. He also remarked that “The Policy of Atmanirbhar Bharat is a big step towards self-reliance in defence which offer a great opportunity to the Indian defence industry to meet the future requirements of the Armed Forces”. He applauded the Indian Army for working towards this goal and remarked that in 2020-2021 in keeping with the Atamnirbhar Bharat 74% of contracts by Army were awarded to Indian Vendors which is praise worthy. He reiterated that “There are no budgetary constraints for capability development and meeting other requirements of the Army”. The Raksha Mantri remarked that the decision to grant permanent commission to women officers in the Army is another significant decision that will ensure equal opportunities for professional growth to all officers irrespective of their gender.

The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri remarked that the recent corporation ofthe Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) is a historic step and has been accepted by all stake holders which will enhance their efficiency and accountability. He remarked that the government is committed in every manner towards the Veterans and the Next of Kin of all categories of Battle Casualities. He concluded by saying that “I have full confidence in the senior Military leadership. The Nation is proud of its Army and the Government is committed to facilitate the Army in their forward movement, on road to reforms and capability developments”.

The India – Kazakhstan joint military exercise “KAZIND-21” commenced on September 01, 2021 at Training Node Aisha Bibi, Kazakhstan. This is the 5th Edition of Annual bilateral joint exercise of both Armies and continued till 10th September 2021. The fourth edition of the exercise was held at Pithoragarh, India in Sep 2019.

          The contingent comprises 120 troops from Kazakhstan and 90 soldiers from the Indian Army. Both the contingents was shared their expertise and skills in the field of counter terror operations. The exercise culminated in a 48 hours joint validation exercise scheduled on 08 & 09 September 2021. The validation exercises were test bed for the soldiers of both Armies as they would be undergoing challenges of actual operations in such scenarios.

          This exercise provides impetus to the ever growing military and diplomatic ties between the two nations. The joint exercise reflects the strong resolve of both nations to counter terrorism and stand shoulder to shoulder to combat the same.

The 6th Edition of SCO Exercise Peaceful Mission : 2021 hosted by Russia started at Orenburg Region of South West Russia today. The aim of the exercise is to foster close relations between SCO Member States and to enhance abilities of the military leaders to command multinational military contingents. An Indian military contingent comprising of an all arms combined force of 200 personnel from Indian Army and Indian Air force is participating in the exercise.

The opening ceremony commenced with an impressive parade by all participating contingents. The contingents were addressed by Col Gen Alexander Pavlovich Lapin, Commander Central Military District, Russian Armed Forces. The Exercise Peaceful Mission: 2021 is based on joint counter terrorism operations at operational and tactical level in an urban environment in which Armies and Air Forces of all SCO member states are participating. Over the next few days, troops will train, share and rehearse tactical drills which will culminate in a final validation exercise, where-in troops from all Armies and Air Forces will jointly undertake operations in a controlled and simulated environment.

In this joint multinational exercise which began on 14 September 2021, SCO member nations conducted joint training focusing on combating terrorism. All military contingents took part in the final joint exercise where-in multinational forces exhibited their tactical prowess, combat power and overwhelming dominance over terrorist groups. The validation phase of the Exercise was witnessed by all Chiefs’ of the General Staff of the SCO member states. Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) who is currently on a visit to Russia witnessed the validation exercise on 23 September 2021 and expressed great satisfaction on the high standards of synergy and close ties achieved among member states during the exercise.