Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, Indian Army, visited the Army Institute of Physical Training (AIPT) in Pune to assess its training programs, infrastructure, and overall contribution to enhancing the physical and mental readiness of Indian soldiers. The visit reflects the Army’s emphasis on holistic well-being as a cornerstone of military preparedness.
During the visit, Lt Gen Seth observed live training sessions, including the Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), an innovative program that combines mixed martial arts to sharpen combat efficiency, agility, and endurance. He also reviewed various physical training modules aimed at developing the core strength and resilience essential for modern combat scenarios.
The General Officer praised AIPT for its pivotal role in strengthening the physical and psychological conditioning of soldiers, underscoring the institute’s importance in preparing troops to meet the demands of contemporary and future battlefields.
Established as a premier training hub in Pune, Maharashtra, the AIPT has, since its renaming in 2005, trained personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary forces. It provides a wide array of specialized programs focusing on fitness, mental toughness, and combat skills, supported by modern infrastructure and expert trainers.
Lt Gen Seth, who assumed command of Southern Command on July 1, 2024, has been spearheading initiatives to modernize training protocols and enhance soldier welfare. His visit to AIPT is part of the Indian Army’s broader Holistic Wellbeing initiative, inspired in part by international models like the U.S. Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness system. The approach integrates strength training, agility development, and mental resilience, all vital attributes in the face of increasing military challenges, including along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The event also featured a ceremonial highlight, with Lt Gen Seth presenting a flag bearing the AIPT insignia to mark the institute’s ongoing contributions to the Army’s training ecosystem. Senior instructors and officers briefed him on the integration of advanced methodologies, such as sports science and martial arts, into the training curriculum.
The Indian Army continues to prioritize cutting-edge, comprehensive training to ensure that its personnel remain physically and mentally equipped to meet the evolving demands of national and global security.
