In a significant discourse on modernizing military capabilities, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi has underscored the pivotal role of digitized and automated systems within the Indian Armed Forces. Speaking at the Indian Air Force (IAF) Commanders Conference, Gen Dwivedi highlighted how the integration of advanced digital technologies is essential for enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Emphasizing the need for a seamless transition into a high-tech battlefield environment, Gen Dwivedi advocated for adopting innovative solutions that leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and automated systems. These technologies are not only expected to streamline command and control processes but also enhance situational awareness and decision-making speed, crucial during real-time operations.

The army chief’s focus on modernization was further echoed during his recent visit to the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) in Shimla, where he assessed training programs and strategies aimed at incorporating these advanced systems into the military’s operations. His visit aligns with the broader initiative to ensure that the Indian Armed Forces remain at the forefront of technological advancements in defense, amid rising security challenges in the region.

In a related development, the Indian Army has unveiled its innovative “SMART Soldier” concept, which deploys AI-driven systems designed to augment the capabilities of its personnel. This initiative has raised alarms in neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan and China, as it represents a significant enhancement in the operational capacities of Indian forces. The integration of AI and digital systems into military operations is seen as a proactive measure to not only modernize the armed forces but also to ensure readiness against potential threats.

As the Indian Army moves towards a future characterized by rapid technological advancements, the implementation of these digitized systems appears crucial for maintaining strategic superiority and operational effectiveness in an increasingly complex security landscape. The military’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology reflects a broader understanding of the evolving nature of warfare in the 21st century, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and innovation.

The Indian Army’s recruitment policies reflect a blend of historical traditions and modern geopolitical realities, particularly regarding which foreign nationals can enlist. Historically, the Army has drawn a significant number of recruits from neighboring countries, cultivating a diverse soldier base. However, political dynamics play a crucial role in determining eligibility.

Nepal, particularly through its Gorkha community, has supplied soldiers to the Indian Army for generations, a practice originating during the British colonial period. Despite a recent decline in recruitment numbers from Nepal, Gorkhas continue to occupy an essential role within the Army, with four dedicated regiments still actively recruiting from the community.

In a similar vein, citizens of Bhutan are authorized to join the Indian Army via a special recruitment scheme, reflecting the enduring collaboration between the two nations. This policy underscores the strong bilateral ties that facilitate military cooperation.

The situation is slightly different for Tibetan refugees. Those who have settled permanently in India can enlist, with some being integrated into a special regiment known for its strategic operations in the Himalayan region, particularly concerning China. However, these recruits face a more stringent vetting process due to their refugee status, highlighting the complexities involved in their recruitment.

Additionally, the Indian Army extends recruitment opportunities to people of Indian origin residing in various countries, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and several African nations. These individuals must not only have Indian ancestry but also be permanent residents of India.

The Army’s religious makeup is quite varied, with approximately 70% of soldiers identifying as Hindu, while Sikhs and Muslims comprise 8% and 3%, respectively. Smaller segments include Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis, reflecting India’s multicultural society.

Conversely, certain countries are explicitly excluded from the Indian Army’s recruitment process due to ongoing political tensions and security risks. Citizens from Pakistan and Bangladesh, for instance, are prohibited from enlisting, stemming from historical animosities and conflicts between these nations and India. Similarly, Chinese nationals are barred from joining the Army, primarily due to persistent border disputes.

While individuals from Afghanistan can potentially be considered on a case-by-case basis, most Afghan citizens are typically excluded. Additionally, citizens of Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and the Maldives generally do not participate in direct recruitment, despite there being no formal bans; security and diplomatic issues hinder this possibility.

For residents of Europe, Africa, and the Americas, recruitment is possible but often contingent on their permanent settlement status in India. The Indian Army maintains a selective approach to recruitment, balancing its rich historical legacy with the need for security in today’s complex geopolitical landscape.

As competition intensifies in global maritime domains, submarines and undersea surveillance systems have become pivotal assets in contemporary maritime security strategies. In regions like the Indo-Pacific, where nations such as India find themselves at the nexus of critical trade routes and geopolitical tensions, the development of robust undersea capabilities is more essential than ever. These advancements not only enhance military might but also serve as vital investments in national sovereignty, economic stability, and regional security.

In the current era, traditional naval strategies are experiencing a profound transformation driven by advancements in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and the increasing reliance on unmanned systems. What was once the realm of stealthy predators beneath the waves is now evolving into a multi-purpose approach that emphasizes intelligence gathering, surveillance, and deterrence. This shift is reflected in India’s strategic investments in its naval capabilities, particularly in the sphere of submarines and undersea surveillance.

India’s extensive coastline and strategic location near key sea lanes of communication coupled with rising Chinese naval activities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) underscore the importance of a formidable undersea fleet as a cornerstone of India’s strategic deterrence. Initiatives like Project-75I, which aims to develop six next-generation submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, demonstrate India’s commitment to improving its undersea endurance and stealth capabilities. AIP technology enables submarines to stay submerged for extended periods, significantly diminishing the risk of detection – a crucial advantage in contested maritime environments.

The introduction of AIP technology represents a significant advancement in submarine capabilities. Unlike conventional diesel-electric submarines that require surfacing to recharge, AIP-enabled vessels can operate silently underwater for weeks. This innovation aligns with India’s broader goals of self-reliance in defense manufacturing, minimizing reliance on foreign technologies, and fostering local innovation within the defense sector.

While submarines are critical for executing various missions, undersea surveillance systems are the backbone of maritime situational awareness. These systems, which combine networks of hydrophone arrays, sonar-equipped unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and advanced acoustic sensors, are essential for early detection and monitoring of potential threats. India is actively working to establish a comprehensive undersea surveillance grid to cover vast areas of the IOR, securing vital chokepoints like the Malacca Strait and protecting key maritime assets, such as offshore energy platforms.

To amplify its undersea capabilities, India is engaging in collaborations with allied nations, including the United States, Japan, and Australia, through frameworks like the Quad. Shared intelligence and technological advancements enhance India’s ability to detect and track submarines, bolstering its maritime defense.

The complexities associated with modern undersea warfare require a combination of innovation and international cooperation. By partnering with like-minded countries, India is positioning itself at the forefront of technological advancements. Initiatives like the Malabar naval exercise not only improve interoperability but also provide opportunities for Indian naval forces to gain exposure to advanced ASW tactics.

Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing are poised to redefine the undersea battlespace. AI systems can efficiently analyze acoustic signatures, distinguishing between benign entities and potential threats, while quantum communication enhances secure communication underwater, vital for coordinating operations in contested environments. Additionally, the exploration of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and swarm technology introduces versatile capabilities for reconnaissance and area denial operations.

India’s maritime strategy emphasizes not only strengthening its domestic capabilities but also enhancing ties with influential powers in the Indo-Pacific. Joint research and development initiatives with countries such as the United States and France promote the exchange of submarine technology and sensor expertise. Engaging in joint exercises strengthens India’s ASW skills and reinforces its role as a regional security provider.

With escalating maritime challenges, especially from China’s expanding naval reach, India’s capability to respond effectively depends on blending self-reliance with strategic partnerships. Submarines and undersea surveillance systems have transitioned from optional assets to essential components of India’s maritime arsenal. For a nation positioned at the heart of the Indo-Pacific and tasked with securing critical global shipping lanes, dominance in the undersea domain is crucial for both national security and maintaining regional influence.

In conclusion, India’s investment in advanced technologies, innovative practices, and strategic collaborations form the foundation of a resilient maritime force prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century. As geopolitical rivalries continue beneath the ocean’s surface, India’s undersea strategy will play a pivotal role in ensuring stability and securing a prominent position in the maritime order.

In a ceremonial event held at Rastrapati Bhawan, Sheetal Niwas, Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel conferred the Honorary Rank of General of the Nepal Army upon Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. This significant occasion took place on Thursday afternoon and is a continuation of a tradition that has been upheld since 1950, wherein the army chiefs of Nepal and India honor each other with this title, reflecting the longstanding cooperative relationship between the two nations’ armed forces.

General Dwivedi arrived in Nepal on Wednesday as part of a five-member delegation for a five-day official visit, having been invited by his Nepalese counterpart, General Ashok Sigdel. The two generals met earlier on the same day at the Nepal Army Headquarters in Kathmandu, where they engaged in discussions regarding military collaboration and avenues to further enhance bilateral relations between Nepal and India.

As a symbol of their enduring friendship, General Dwivedi participated in a poignant ceremony by planting a Rudraksha sapling on the grounds of the Nepal Army Headquarters. This act was noted by the Indian Embassy as a gesture signifying the deep-rooted ties between the two armies.

Earlier on Thursday, General Dwivedi honored the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the nation by laying a wreath at the Martyr’s Memorial located in the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel. Following this, he received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Army Headquarters, marking a respectful acknowledgment of his visit.

During his stay, General Dwivedi is scheduled to visit the Army Staff College in Shivapuri, situated on the outskirts of Kathmandu, and is also expected to partake in a mountain flight, offering a unique perspective of the region. The visit underscores the longstanding tradition of high-level exchanges between the military brass of Nepal and India, which is reinforced through mutual recognition and respect.

Notably, Nepal shares a significant border of over 1,850 kilometers with five Indian states—Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand—creating numerous opportunities for cooperation between the two neighboring countries.

General Dwivedi is accompanied on this visit by his wife, Sunita Dwivedi, who is the chairperson of the Army Wives Welfare Association of the Indian Army. Their visit is anticipated to foster closer ties and collaboration, reinforcing a commitment to shared security interests and military cooperation in the region.

During Thursday’s trading session, shares of Aartech Solonics Limited, a manufacturer specialized in Electrical Machinery, experienced a notable surge of 4.3 percent, reaching Rs. 71.99 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). This upswing followed the company’s announcement regarding the development of a Power Module for Armored Vehicles, achieved in collaboration with the Indian Army.

Aartech Solonics, which boasts a market capitalization of Rs. 226.3 crores, saw its shares close positively at Rs. 71.23, reflecting an increase of 3.2 percent compared to the previous close of Rs. 69.03.

The company’s latest initiative involves partnering with the Sudarshan Chakra Corps (EME) of the Indian Army and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mumbai to advance the construction of the Adaptive Alternate Power Module (AAPM). This project aims to deliver a groundbreaking indigenous solution for Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) and specialized artillery, including the K9 Vajra.

The AAPM technology specifically addresses the power needs of tanks and artillery systems, allowing for regulated DC power delivery according to the operational load required, which in turn means the main engine does not need to be activated for power. This innovation is expected to significantly enhance engine longevity, reduce fuel consumption, and improve operational efficacy under demanding conditions. The development underscores a critical advancement toward the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative, showcasing the synergy between India’s armed forces and domestic industry.

From a financial perspective, Aartech Solonics has reported impressive growth in its revenue stream. The company recorded a quarter-on-quarter revenue increase of approximately 42.4 percent, climbing from Rs. 6.61 crores in the first quarter of FY25 to Rs. 9.41 crores in the second quarter. Concurrently, net profits also saw an ascent, rising from Rs. 1.04 crores to Rs. 1.51 crores, which marks a 45.2 percent increase.

Key financial metrics indicate a Return on Equity (RoE) of 1.64 percent and a Return on Capital Employed (RoCE) of 4.81 percent. The company’s debt-to-equity ratio is a modest 0.13, reflecting a sound financial structure.

In terms of stock performance, Aartech Solonics has shown positive growth with returns of nearly 47.7 percent over the past year. However, it has faced a slight downturn of approximately 7.2 percent over the last six months. In 2024, the company’s shares have yielded positive results of about 50.2 percent.

Founded in 1985, Aartech Solonics Limited is a system solutions-oriented research and development corporation based in India, engaged in producing specialized energy appliances. The company’s product offerings include wedge tightness detectors, ultracapacitors, control relay panels, load checkers, flat current limiters, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS).

In a significant display of military camaraderie, Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel bestowed the Honorary Rank of General of the Nepal Army upon Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi during a ceremonial event held at Rastrapati Bhawan, Sheetal Niwas, on Thursday afternoon. This gesture strengthens the longstanding tradition between Nepal and India of granting honorary titles to each other’s army chiefs, a practice rooted in mutual respect and collaboration that dates back to 1950.

General Dwivedi, leading a five-member delegation, arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday for a five-day official visit following an invitation extended by his Nepalese counterpart, General Ashok Sigdel. Upon his arrival, General Dwivedi engaged in discussions with General Sigdel at the Nepal Army Headquarters, focusing on enhancing military cooperation between the two nations. Indian Embassy sources reported that the dialogue aimed at fostering stronger bilateral relations between the armed forces of Nepal and India.

As a symbol of enduring friendship, General Dwivedi also partook in a ceremonial gesture of planting a Rudraksha sapling on the premises of the Nepal Army Headquarters, further emphasizing the bond between the two armies. Earlier in his visit, he honored fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the Martyr’s Memorial in the Army Pavilion, Tundikhel, and received a formal Guard of Honour upon his arrival at the Army Headquarters.

General Dwivedi’s itinerary includes a visit to the Army Staff College located in Shivapuri, on the outskirts of Kathmandu, as well as plans for a mountain flight, ensuring a multifaceted engagement during his stay. The exchange of visits between the army chiefs of Nepal and India has been a hallmark of their military relationship, reinforcing ties through mutual recognition and respect.

The relationship between the two nations is further highlighted by Nepal’s extensive border with five Indian states: Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, which fosters a strategic partnership and continuous military dialogue. General Dwivedi’s visit is expected to solidify the collaborative efforts and strengthen the defense ties that bind the two countries. He is accompanied by his wife, Sunita Dwivedi, who serves as the chairperson of the Army Wives Welfare Association of the Indian Army, underscoring the personal commitments that accompany such official partnerships.