Army inaugurates ‘Agnishodh’ research cell at IIT Madras

New Delhi, Aug 4: In a significant push towards self-reliance in defence technology, the Army has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to establish ‘Agnishodh’, a dedicated research cell aimed at integrating academic innovation with military needs. The Indian Army Research Cell was formally inaugurated by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi during his two-day visit to Chennai. The initiative falls under the Indian Army’s broader transformation strategy and focuses on technological modernisation.

Agnishodh will function within the IIT Madras Research Park alongside innovation centres like the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Centre and Pravartak Technologies Foundation. It aims to translate lab-scale research into battlefield-ready solutions.

The research cell will also support training and upskilling of military personnel in advanced domains such as additive manufacturing, quantum computing, cybersecurity, wireless communication, and drone technology. During his visit, General Dwivedi addressed a gathering at IIT Madras, where he spoke on Operation Sindoor, India’s recent tri-services anti-terror offensive, calling it a landmark intelligence-led mission that redefined the country’s counter-terrorism approach. He also highlighted the need for integrating modern technologies and academic partnerships to prepare for future conflicts marked by non-contact warfare and hybrid threats. The Army Chief also visited the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, where he reviewed infrastructure and training programmes. Addressing cadets and staff, he emphasised the evolving character of warfare and the importance of blending traditional combat strength with emerging technologies.