Gen Upendra Dwivedi Inaugurates ‘AGNISHODH’ at IIT Madras to Advance Defence Innovation and Atmanirbharta

‘AGNISHODH’ is a key part of the Indian Army’s Five Pillars of Transformation, particularly supporting the pillar of Modernisation and Technology Infusion. The new research cell aims to strengthen synergy between academic institutions and the military by translating cutting-edge research into real-time battlefield applications.

In a major push toward defence self-reliance, the Indian Army and IIT Madras have jointly launched ‘AGNISHODH’, a dedicated Indian Army Research Cell (IARC) at the IIT Madras campus. The facility was officially inaugurated by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), during his two-day visit to Chennai.

‘AGNISHODH’ is a key part of the Indian Army’s Five Pillars of Transformation, particularly supporting the pillar of Modernisation and Technology Infusion. The new research cell aims to strengthen synergy between academic institutions and the military by translating cutting-edge research into real-time battlefield applications.

Speaking on the occasion, General Dwivedi highlighted the importance of building strategic tech partnerships with India’s top research institutions. He commended IIT Madras for its pioneering role in defence R&D, noting that projects like Project SAMBHAV and additive manufacturing tie-ups with Army Base Workshops are already setting new benchmarks in military innovation.

“Operation Sindoor” and the Future of Warfare

Delivering an address on the theme “Operation Sindoor – A New Chapter in India’s Fight Against Terrorism,” the Army Chief described the 88-hour operation as a turning point in India’s counter-terrorism doctrine. He said the operation was executed across the DIME spectrum (Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic) and marked by intelligence-driven, multi-domain precision.

General Dwivedi stressed the Indian Army’s readiness for fifth-generation warfare involving non-contact combat, high strategic tempo, and psychological superiority. Underlining the motto “Swadeshikaran Se Sashaktikaran”, he detailed collaborations under national tech missions such as INDIAai, Chip-to-Startup, and Project QuILA, with MCTE Mhow playing a key role.

IIT Madras to Drive Deep Tech Integration

‘AGNISHODH’ will expand operations into the IIT Madras Research Park, engaging with platforms like the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Centre (AMTDC) and the Pravartak Technologies Foundation. This collaboration will serve as a pipeline for lab-to-field translation of defence innovations.

The research cell will also play a critical role in upskilling Indian Army personnel in frontier technologies including:

Additive Manufacturing

Cybersecurity

Quantum Computing

Wireless Communication

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

General Dwivedi acknowledged the successful impact of existing Army research cells at IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, and IISc Bengaluru, and praised IIT Madras for joining this growing network. He emphasized that initiatives like AGNISHODH will not only support R&D but also help build a tech-empowered, future-ready human resource base within the Armed Forces.