In a significant visit to the Maratha Regimental Centre, General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), addressed the Agniveers currently undergoing training.

The event was marked by inspiring speeches, insightful discussions, and a reinforcement of the critical role of Agniveers in the future of the Indian armed forces and nation building.

During his address, General Chauhan highlighted the transformative role that Agniveers play in the nation’s progress. He described the Agniveers as not just soldiers but as innovators and future leaders who will drive the country forward.

“Today’s Agniveers are tomorrow’s innovators and leaders. Your contribution goes beyond the battlefield; it is about building the future of our nation,” he stated.

The CDS emphasized the importance of integrating technology with traditional military training. He noted that the modern battlefield requires a synergy of physical endurance and technological prowess. “In today’s age, embracing technology is as crucial as the rigorous training you undergo.

The ability to adapt and integrate new technologies will define the success of future military operations,” he said, encouraging the Agniveers to stay abreast of technological advancements and continuously upgrade their skills.

General Chauhan also took the opportunity to commend the training staff at the Maratha Regimental Centre for their unwavering dedication and commitment.

He acknowledged their crucial role in shaping the Agniveers into capable and confident soldiers ready to face any challenge. “The dedication of our training staff is exemplary. Their commitment to duty ensures that our future soldiers are not only well-trained but also imbued with the values and ethos of our armed forces,” he remarked.

The visit was a proud moment for the Agniveers, who are seen as the future pillars of the Indian military. The training program at the Maratha Regimental Centre is known for its rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that prepares soldiers to excel in various challenging environments.

The CDS’s visit and his words of encouragement served to further motivate and inspire the trainees.

General Chauhan’s address also underscored the broader vision of the Agnipath scheme, which aims to recruit dynamic young individuals into the armed forces, providing them with a unique blend of military and technological training.

This initiative is part of a larger effort to modernize the Indian military and ensure it is equipped to handle the complexities of modern warfare.

The Agniveers expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to interact with the CDS and gain insights from his vast experience. “It’s a great honor to be addressed by General Chauhan. His words have inspired us to strive for excellence and to understand the broader impact of our role in nation building,” said one of the Agniveers.

The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of the commitment of the Indian armed forces to continuous improvement and adaptation in the face of evolving global threats.

General Chauhan’s message was clear: the future of India’s military strength lies in the hands of these young Agniveers, who must embrace both their training and technological advancements to become the innovators and leaders of tomorrow.

This visit not only boosted the morale of the Agniveers but also reinforced the importance of their role in the grander scheme of national security and development.

The event at the Maratha Regimental Centre stands as a testament to the Indian military’s dedication to preparing its soldiers for the future, ensuring that they are well-equipped, both physically and intellectually, to protect and build the nation.

The Indian Army has started receiving the much-anticipated AK-203 assault rifles from Russia, following a series of delays caused by the war in Ukraine and payment issues. Official sources confirm that 27,000 rifles have been delivered so far by the Indo-Russian joint venture established in Korwa, Uttar Pradesh.

An official familiar with the matter stated, “Everything is on track after initial delays, and 27,000 rifles have been given to the Army. Another 8,000 will be handed over in the next two weeks. Indigenisation level achieved is around 25%.”

The Indian Army has already distributed over 10,000 of these rifles to its units, with additional batches currently undergoing inspection. This distribution is part of a larger contract worth over ₹5,000 crore, signed in July 2021, which stipulates the manufacture of more than 6.1 lakh AK-203 assault rifles in India.

This production is facilitated through technology transfer from Russia, managed by the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) joint venture.

The IRRPL was established in 2019, involving the now-restructured Ordnance Factory Board (currently Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited and Munitions India Limited) from India, and Russia’s Rosoboronexport and Kalashnikov Concern.

According to previous reports by The Hindu, the contract specifies that the first 70,000 rifles will be produced in India with a phased increase in localization, starting at 5% and reaching 70%.

The subsequent production will see the rifles being manufactured with 100% local content. Full-scale production is projected to be achieved within 2-3 years.

Discussing the indigenisation process, a source mentioned that it is proceeding in a “systematic manner,” leading to a gradual but steady increase in local content. “The process will be slow initially. Even our initial timelines accounted for two years to achieve 70% indigenous content,” the source elaborated, adding, “We are aiming to achieve it before that.”

In light of the repeated delays in finalizing the AK-203 deal, India had earlier procured and inducted 70,000 AK-103 assault rifles off the shelf under an agreement signed in August 2021.

This interim measure ensured that the Indian Army’s immediate requirements were met while the larger AK-203 production ramped up.

The induction of the AK-203 rifles marks a significant step in modernizing the Indian Army’s infantry capabilities, providing soldiers with advanced, reliable firearms manufactured through a blend of international collaboration and indigenous production.

General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), visited the Headquarters Eastern Command in Kolkata, where he was extensively briefed on the current operational preparedness and the prevailing security situation in the region.

This visit underscored the continued emphasis on enhancing the combat readiness and joint operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.

During his visit, General Chauhan addressed the officers on the critical topics of “Jointness, Integration, and Theaterisation.”

He highlighted the numerous positive aspects of synergy among the Tri-Services and the transformative processes currently underway within the Indian Armed Forces.

The CDS emphasized that the integration of the Army, Navy, and Air Force is essential for optimizing operational efficiency and effectiveness in contemporary and future military operations.

“Theaterisation and joint operations are pivotal for achieving strategic goals and responding to diverse security challenges,” General Chauhan stated. “Our ongoing efforts towards integration and synergy are not just about structural changes but about fostering a culture of cooperation and unified action.”

General Chauhan also interacted with officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, acknowledging their high standards of professionalism and unwavering dedication to duty. He commended the officers for their exemplary service and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence in their respective roles.

“The professionalism and commitment displayed by our officers are the bedrock of our national security. Your efforts ensure that our Armed Forces remain a formidable force, ready to tackle any challenge,” he remarked.

The visit concluded with General Chauhan expressing his confidence in the Eastern Command’s readiness to handle current and future operational demands.

His interaction with the officers served as a morale booster, reinforcing the importance of jointness and integration in maintaining the nation’s security and sovereignty.

The HQ Eastern Command continues to play a vital role in the defense of India’s eastern frontiers, with a constant focus on enhancing operational capabilities and preparedness.

The visit by the CDS highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen the Indian Armed Forces through jointness and integration, ensuring they remain agile and responsive in the face of evolving security threats.

The Indian Army, in collaboration with the United Services Institution of India (USI), organized the second edition of the “Lieutenant General PS Bhagat Memorial Lecture” at the Manekshaw Centre.

The event, themed “Armed Forces Contribution to Realise the Vision of a Rising India,” was conducted as part of the “Lt Gen PS Bhagat Memorial Chair of Excellence,” instituted by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on October 14, 2022.

Lieutenant General KT Parnaik (Retired), the Hon’ble Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, delivered the keynote address. He eloquently covered a wide spectrum of topics under the theme, highlighting the crucial role and contributions of the Indian Armed Forces in nation-building.

Drawing from the illustrious career of Lieutenant General PS Bhagat, he shared numerous anecdotes that underscored Bhagat’s legacy.

The Hon’ble Governor commended the Indian Armed Forces for their significant contributions to Out of Area Contingencies and Defence Diplomacy initiatives.

He also discussed the evolving nature of warfare, the modernization of the armed forces, the importance of self-reliance and technological advancements, as well as the implications of net-centric and grey zone warfare.

General Manoj Pande, the COAS, delivered a special address during the event. He paid tribute to the raw courage of Lieutenant General Bhagat, who was awarded the Victoria Cross during World War II for his bravery in clearing minefields under enemy fire, despite facing severe injuries and leading his men for 96 continuous hours.

General Pande highlighted Bhagat’s visionary thinking and his contributions to strategic military literature through his books, “Forging the Shield,” “The Shield and the Sword,” and “Wielding of Authority in Emerging Countries.” He emphasized that Bhagat’s writings on transformation remain relevant and insightful, nearly seven decades later.

The event was attended by a distinguished audience, including former Chiefs General JJ Singh (Retired), General Deepak Kapoor (Retired), and General MM Naravane (Retired). A large number of senior serving officers, veterans, and civilian dignitaries were also present, drawing inspiration from the enduring legacy of Lieutenant General PS Bhagat.

A highlight of the event was the release of a book titled “The Victoria Cross Icon: Vision and Legacy,” authored by Major General Shashikant G Pitre (Retired).

The book provides a meticulous account of General Bhagat’s military contributions, delving into his military appreciations, concept papers, and critique of the 1962 War.

It showcases Bhagat’s brilliance as a military leader with a deep strategic vision, exceptional administrative abilities, astute leadership qualities, and his close connection with the men he commanded.

The Lieutenant General PS Bhagat Memorial Lecture series continues to be a significant platform for reflecting on the contributions of the Indian Armed Forces to the nation and for drawing lessons from the legacy of one of its most esteemed leaders.

The event underscored the vital role of the armed forces in shaping the future of a rising India, fostering a sense of pride and motivation among all attendees.

The Assam Rifles, India’s oldest paramilitary force, held an Ex-Servicemen Rally in Kalimpong under the theme “Serving Those Who Served Us.” The event, which took place on May 18, 2024, saw the attendance of over 500 Ex-Servicemen from the Assam Rifles.

Lt Gen P C Nair, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, PhD, Director General of Assam Rifles, along with officers from the Headquarters Directorate General Assam Rifles, graced the event with their presence. Lt Gen Nair engaged with Gallantry awardees, Veer Naris (war widows), widows, and their dependents, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions to the nation.

During the rally, the veterans were provided with comprehensive information about various beneficiary schemes designed to support them and their families. These schemes include:

Recruitment Rallies: Veterans were briefed on upcoming recruitment rallies, which offer opportunities for their children to join the Assam Rifles.

Educational Reservations: Information was shared regarding reservations in various educational institutes and hostels for the children of Ex-Servicemen.

Ayushman Bharat: Details about the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which provides health insurance to families, were discussed.

Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS): The extension of the ECHS to Assam Rifles veterans was highlighted, ensuring continued healthcare support for the Ex-Servicemen and their dependents.

Lt Gen Nair’s interactions with the veterans emphasized the organization’s commitment to their welfare. He acknowledged the valor and dedication of the Ex-Servicemen, reiterating that their service and sacrifices would always be remembered and honored by the nation.

The rally provided a platform for the Assam Rifles to address the concerns of the Ex-Servicemen, ensuring they are well-informed about the benefits and support available to them. It also served as an opportunity for the veterans to reconnect with their comrades and share their experiences.

In his address, Lt Gen Nair said, “The Assam Rifles is committed to the well-being of its veterans. We will continue to serve those who have served us with dedication and honor.”

The event concluded with a renewed sense of camaraderie and assurance among the Ex-Servicemen that the Assam Rifles remains steadfast in its commitment to their welfare.

The rally was a testament to the enduring bond between the Assam Rifles and its veterans, celebrating their contributions and ensuring they receive the support they deserve.