In a significant step towards bolstering the Indian Army’s combat preparedness, Major General Naveen Mahajan, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Golden Key Division, visited the VC Brigade to evaluate its training and operational readiness.

The visit, conducted under the aegis of the Surya Command, underscores the Army’s ongoing commitment to capability enhancement and professional excellence in 2025, declared as the “Year of Defence Reforms.”

During his visit, Major General Mahajan interacted closely with the troops, inspecting their training modules and operational protocols. He commended the VC Brigade for its relentless pursuit of excellence, particularly in maintaining high standards of combat readiness.

The GOC exhorted all ranks to continue striving for professional excellence, emphasizing the importance of staying prepared to meet evolving security challenges.

Visuals from the visit show the Major General engaging with soldiers in camouflage uniforms, shaking hands, and reviewing equipment displays, including mortars and other tactical gear, set against a scenic backdrop of lush hills.

This visit aligns with the Surya Command’s broader focus on integrating technology with traditional warfare tactics, a priority highlighted during a 2024 validation exercise involving Agniveers from The Grenadiers Regimental Centre in Jabalpur. The command has been at the forefront of the Indian Army’s modernization efforts, ensuring a tech-infused, future-ready force capable of operating in diverse and challenging terrains.

Major General Mahajan’s review also builds on his earlier engagement with the Golden Key Gunners in January 2025, where he had praised their operational readiness in high-altitude conditions. His consistent emphasis on preparedness and precision reflects the Golden Key Division’s unwavering dedication to operational efficiency, a commitment that resonates with the Indian Army’s larger goals under the “Decade of Transformation” (2023–32) roadmap.

The visit comes at a time when the Indian Army is making significant strides in technological innovation and operational self-reliance, aligning with the Ministry of Defence’s reform agenda for 2025. Following the success of 2023’s “Year of Technology Absorption,” this year’s focus on defence reforms aims to streamline procurement processes, enhance operational readiness, and foster indigenous defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The Surya Command’s efforts, as showcased during Major General Mahajan’s visit, exemplify the Army’s resolve to remain at the forefront of military innovation while upholding its motto of “Service before Self.”

The VC Brigade’s readiness, as reviewed by the GOC, reinforces the Indian Army’s role as an imposer of national will, ensuring the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in an increasingly complex security landscape.