Ahmedabad, February 7, 2026 – Operation Sindoor has affirmed the Southern Command’s full preparedness for multi-domain operations, according to Southern Army Commander Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth. Speaking at the Southern Command Investiture Ceremony held in Ahmedabad on February 6 and 7, Lt Gen Seth emphasized the command’s enhanced technical capabilities, including the induction of additional Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers following the operation.
During the ceremony, Lt Gen Seth conferred awards upon 34 distinguished personnel for their acts of valour, courage, and dedicated service to the nation. Additionally, 33 units received the GOC-in-C, Southern Command Unit Citation in recognition of their operational excellence and professional achievements.
In his address, Lt Gen Seth highlighted the significance of Operation Sindoor in 2025, stating, “Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s fortitude, perseverance, and resilience, not just in conflict with the neighbouring country but also on the global stage. I commend all the units and formations of the Southern Command which were deployed from the desert sector to sensitive areas like the Creek sector, for their bravery and valour.”
He further elaborated on the command’s performance during the operation: “During Operation Sindoor, the Southern Command demonstrated a high degree of operational readiness, jointmanship, and inter-agency coordination. All the units fulfilled their operational responsibilities through timely mobilisation, effective command and control, and real-time intelligence sharing. This operation proved that the Southern Command’s units are fully capable of multi-domain operations and can face any security challenges that arise as a unified force.”
Lt Gen Seth also outlined post-operation advancements, noting, “After Operation Sindoor, the Southern Command has rapidly strengthened its technical capabilities. In 2025, the first batch of the Apache attack helicopters was inducted in our command in the Indian Army. And to strengthen the rotary wing fleet, HAL-manufactured indigenous Prachand Light Combat Helicopters were also inducted into the force. During the same period, more regiments of the Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers have been operationalised.”
He mentioned the establishment of new organizational structures, including the Rudra Brigade, Bhairav Battalions, Ashni Platoons, Shaktimaan Regiment, and Divyastra batteries.
Emphasizing the focus on drone warfare, Lt Gen Seth added, “Keeping in mind drone warfare, the Indian Army has inducted indigenous Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS systems in large numbers under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. These have given capability to engage with the adversary in different ways and from a long range.”
For Army Air Defence, he noted the induction of indigenous systems such as Advance Gun and Shoulder Fired Missile Systems, along with Light Man Portable Radars. Lt Gen Seth confirmed that all new-generation equipment and technological upgrades have been validated through military exercises and training drills, with updated tactics, techniques, and procedures.
“In 2025, the Southern Command executed the tri-services Exercise Trishul with the Air Force and Navy. Under this, exercises Akhand Prahar and Marujwala were conducted in the Desert Sector at Jaisalmer. These exercises validated new organisation structures like the Rudra Brigade and Bhairav Battalion,” he said.
The investiture proceedings featured a ceremonial Guard of Honour for the Army Commander. Lt Gen Seth also presented Veteran Achievers Awards to distinguished veterans for their contributions in various fields. A display of cutting-edge weapons, equipment, and systems was showcased, aligning with the Indian Army’s modernisation efforts under the ‘Decade of Transformation’ initiative.
