In a significant step towards strengthening ties between the Indian Army and the state of Andhra Pradesh, Major General Ajay Misra, the recently appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Telangana and Andhra Sub Area (TASA), met with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on April 15, 2025, at the state capital, Amravati. The meeting focused on the Army’s role in state and nation-building, addressing key areas such as disaster relief, ex-servicemen (ESM) welfare, defence technology, and industry collaboration.

Major General Ajay Misra, who assumed the role of GOC TASA on December 1, 2024, emphasized the need for a stronger Army presence in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the new capital, Amravati. A key highlight of the discussions was the proposal for a War Memorial in Amravati, an ambitious project first envisioned in 2018. The memorial, intended to be the world’s largest of its kind, will feature a 250 ft statue of an Indian Army soldier and a 200 ft bronze ring encircling a massive Buddha statue, aiming to boost tourism while honoring the armed forces.

The meeting also covered several practical measures to enhance collaboration. These included the establishment of an Army Tech Cell to foster defence innovation and industry partnerships, the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for better civil-police-Army coordination, and addressing land matters for Army initiatives. Additionally, employment opportunities for ex-servicemen and protocol issues were discussed, reflecting the state’s commitment to supporting veterans.

Chief Minister Naidu praised the disciplined lifestyle of the armed forces and assured support for greater Army engagement in Amravati’s development. He also committed to facilitating darshan for Army personnel at prominent religious sites like Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and Srisailam, highlighting a blend of operational and cultural synergy between the state and the military.

This meeting marks a pivotal moment in Andhra Pradesh’s efforts to integrate defence initiatives with state development, aligning with broader national goals of innovation and collaboration in the defence sector. The discussions underscored the state’s vision to become a hub for defence technology and a key player in nation-building, while honoring the contributions of the Indian Army.