Lt Gen Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Spear Corps, visited an Assam Rifles formation in Agartala, Tripura, to evaluate their operational readiness. The visit comes at a critical time for the region, which has been grappling with challenges such as the ethnic conflict in neighboring Manipur, where over 200 lives have been lost since 2023.

During his visit, Lt Gen Pendharkar inspected various innovations developed by the units to enhance combat efficiency. Among the technologies showcased were advanced drones, underscoring the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to integrate cutting-edge tools into its operations.

This aligns with broader initiatives, such as the Army Design Bureau’s 2021 event, which highlighted innovations like quadcopter jammers to counter modern threats. Pendharkar closely examined these developments, emphasizing the importance of technological advancements in strengthening operational capabilities.

The Assam Rifles, a key formation under Spear Corps, has been instrumental in maintaining security in Northeast India. Beyond their role in counter-insurgency, they have also been actively involved in disaster preparedness. Notably, on November 14, 2024, the Assam Rifles participated in a state-level mock exercise in Agartala, focusing on earthquake response, highlighting their multifaceted contributions to regional stability.

Lt Gen Pendharkar, who assumed command of Spear Corps in August 2024, also took the opportunity to interact with the troops. He commended them for their professionalism and high morale, encouraging them to strive for excellence in all their endeavors. His visit reaffirmed the Indian Army and Assam Rifles’ commitment to ensuring operational efficiency while addressing the unique security and humanitarian challenges of the Northeast.