Indian Army and IIT Madras Launch ‘Agnishodh’ Research Cell to Boost Indigenous Defence Technologies

In a major push toward self-reliance in defence technology, the Indian Army has inaugurated ‘Agnishodh’ – the Indian Army Research Cell (IARC) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. The initiative aims to accelerate indigenous innovation and foster high-impact collaboration between the military and academia.

The new research cell was formally launched by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), during his two-day official visit to Chennai. The collaboration underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and aligns with the transformation strategy led by the Army Chief under the Five Pillars of Transformation, particularly focusing on Modernisation and Technology Infusion.

‘Agnishodh’ to Bridge Academic Research with Battlefield Innovation

Speaking at IIT Madras on the theme “Operation Sindoor – A New Chapter in India’s Fight Against Terrorism”, General Dwivedi outlined how Agnishodh will serve as a launchpad for converting academic research into real-world defence applications. He highlighted Operation Sindoor as a defining example of India’s evolved counter-terrorism strategy—an 88-hour, intelligence-driven mission that spanned the entire DIME (Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic) spectrum.

agnishodh research cell iit madras

The Army Chief emphasized that the future of warfare will involve fifth-generation conflict, including non-contact warfare, psychological operations, and technology-enabled precision. To meet these emerging challenges, the Indian Army is aggressively advancing under initiatives like Swadeshikaran Se Sashaktikaran, INDIAai, Chip-to-Startup, and Project QuILA, with premier institutes like MCTE Mhow and IITs serving as key collaborators.

General Dwivedi commended the contributions of Army research cells already operating at IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, and IISc Bengaluru, and praised IIT Madras for its cutting-edge work in additive manufacturing, defence research, and Project SAMBHAV.

Strategic Technology Partnership Expands at IIT Madras

‘Agnishodh’ will also integrate into the IIT Madras Research Park, collaborating with organizations like the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Centre (AMTDC) and the Pravartak Technologies Foundation. The aim is to transform lab-scale innovations into field-deployable military technologies.

Further, the centre will facilitate skill development for Indian Army personnel in critical domains such as:

  • Additive manufacturing
  • Quantum computing
  • Cybersecurity
  • Wireless communication
  • Unmanned aerial systems (UAS)

This initiative supports the Army’s broader goal of creating a tech-empowered defence workforce to meet future operational challenges.

Visit to OTA and Veteran Recognition

During his Chennai visit, the COAS also visited the Officers Training Academy (OTA), where he reviewed infrastructure, training methodologies, and leadership development programs. Addressing the officer cadets, he reiterated the importance of adapting to grey zone conflicts, technological disruption, and the integration of human and autonomous capabilities—stating that the future battlefield will require both “boots and bots.”

In a special ceremony, General Dwivedi also honoured four distinguished veterans with the Veteran Achievers Awards, celebrating their continued service and contributions to national development.