In a significant address that bridged the gap between India’s academic and defense ecosystems, Lt Gen Ajay Chandpuria, General Officer Commanding of the Vajra Corps, spoke at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar today. His remarks focused on India’s strides in indigenous defense technology and the vital role of innovation in achieving strategic autonomy under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.

Addressing a packed auditorium of students, faculty members, and defense personnel, Lt Gen Chandpuria revealed that India has achieved a 30% increase in missile accuracy since 2020, citing findings published in the Journal of Defense Studies. He called on the country’s youth to lead the charge in technological advancement with unity, determination, and innovation at the core of their efforts.

The interaction included discussions on strengthening India’s multi-domain military capabilities, ranging from cyber and space defense to integrated command networks. The general’s speech highlighted the need for synergy between the armed forces and institutions like IITs to nurture what he termed “techno-commanders” for the future.

After his keynote, Lt Gen Chandpuria visited IIT Ropar’s cutting-edge laboratories, including its VLSI and 3D printing labs. He also held a meeting with the institute’s director to explore long-term collaboration in microelectronic circuit design and nanoelectronics. The Nanoelectronics Research Lab, featuring advanced tools such as the Synopsys TCAD-Full suite, was showcased as a hub for indigenous defense innovation. A 2022 India Brand Equity Foundation report had previously noted India’s progress in this area, citing over 53 international defense cooperation agreements.

The Vajra Corps, whose name is inspired by the thunderbolt weapon of Lord Indra forged from the bones of the sage Dadhichi, has a legacy dating back to its formation in 1950 to counter threats from Pakistan. This deep-rooted history subtly echoed throughout the event, reinforcing the Corps’ central role in safeguarding the nation while adapting to emerging threats.

Lt Gen Chandpuria’s visit and address marked a meaningful step in aligning India’s academic talent with its defense modernization goals, laying the foundation for a generation of innovators prepared to shape the future of national security.

The Indian Army is set to launch a nationwide commemoration to mark the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, honouring the courage, sacrifice, and valour of soldiers who fought during the 1999 Kargil War under Operation Vijay. The celebrations will continue until July 26, with a wide array of activities planned across the country.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed annually on July 26 to commemorate India’s military victory over Pakistani intruders in the treacherous terrain of the Kargil-Siachen sector. The 1999 conflict was marked by strategic and tactical surprises, effective tri-services coordination, and a restrained yet decisive national strategy to reclaim Indian territory.

This year, the Indian Army’s commemorative plans include a unique special outreach initiative to honour the next of kin of Kargil War martyrs. Starting this week, army personnel will visit 545 families across 25 Indian states, 2 Union Territories, and Nepal. Each family will be presented with a letter of gratitude, a commemorative memento, and updated information about benefits provided by central and state governments.

During these visits, the Indian Army will also document any challenges faced by the families to ensure timely redressal. Additionally, they will collect memorabilia that reflect the legacy of these brave soldiers for future preservation at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras.

The celebrations are designed to reflect the patriotic and adventurous spirit of the Indian Army and engage local communities through cultural and educational events. The two-month-long programme will conclude with a solemn Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial on July 26, paying tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives in service of the nation.

This nationwide effort not only commemorates the past but also reinforces the Indian Army’s enduring commitment to the families of its fallen heroes while inspiring a new generation to embody the ideals of service, sacrifice, and national pride.

In a significant milestone for India’s defense capabilities, the Indian Army, in collaboration with Dehradun-based BSS Material, has successfully conducted high-altitude trials of an AI-driven Autonomous Lethal Weapons System (ALWS) at 14,000 feet. The system, integrated with the Negev Light Machine Gun (LMG), marks a pivotal advancement in autonomous military technology.

The trials are part of India’s broader initiative to modernize its armed forces through indigenous innovations under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ programs. They demonstrated the system’s ability to autonomously detect, track, and engage targets in mountainous and harsh environments, offering a technological edge in safeguarding India’s rugged frontiers.

The AI-integrated ALWS developed by BSS Material incorporates sensor fusion with both thermal and optical feeds, enabling precision targeting even in low visibility conditions. It features automated ballistic adjustments to counter high-altitude atmospheric variables and includes encrypted remote-control functionality, allowing soldiers to operate the system from a safe distance without compromising its lethality or accuracy.

Experts say this successful deployment reflects India’s growing competency in integrating artificial intelligence into military platforms. The development aligns with evolving global defense trends where AI is increasingly being utilized for battlefield autonomy and tactical superiority.

The system’s success also invites broader conversations on the ethical use of AI in combat, situational accountability, and the future trajectory of unmanned warfare. Nonetheless, it represents a key step forward in India’s quest for technological self-reliance and enhanced high-altitude defense preparedness.

In a major military appointment, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai has taken charge as the new Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), effective immediately. The senior officer, will continue to hold charge of Director General of Military Operations (DGMO).

The appointment comes in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a four-day military standoff with Pakistan that concluded with a ceasefire on May 10, 2025. Lt Gen Ghai played a central role during the operation, including in the negotiation process that followed. With over 33 years of experience in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and multiple command roles, his promotion is seen as a move to inject operational insight into the Army’s strategic leadership.

The post of Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), or DCOAS (Strategy), is a relatively new but significant position within the Indian Army’s senior leadership. Created in 2021 as part of comprehensive headquarters reforms, the role was designed to enhance domain-specific leadership and streamline operational decision-making. The DCOAS (Strategy) is primarily responsible for overseeing strategic planning, military operations, international military cooperation, and long-term defense preparedness. This position exists alongside two other deputy chiefs: one for Capability Development and Sustenance, and the other for Information Systems and Coordination. Several senior officers have previously held the DCOAS (Strategy) role, including Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra and Lt Gen Tarun Kumar Aich, with each bringing a distinct focus to India’s evolving military strategy.

Lt Gen Ghai’s handling of the ceasefire discussions—brokered with assistance from the United States and regional intermediaries—was widely noted. While Indian strikes during the conflict hit targets such as Chaklala and Sargodha airbases, subsequent evaluations suggested mixed tactical outcomes, prompting debates on strategic planning.

His new role is expected to bring sharper focus to India’s evolving military doctrine, particularly in light of lessons learned from Operation Sindoor. The government has reiterated that recent national security decisions, including the April 22 suspension of provisions under the Indus Waters Treaty following a terror attack in Pahalgam, will continue to stand firm.

As Lt Gen Ghai assumes his new post, defence observers will closely track how his experience translates into reforms in operational tactics and military readiness. His leadership is expected to influence India’s approach to both conventional and hybrid threats in the region.