Establishment of Agnishodh
Agnishodh Advancing Defence Technology in India: The Indian Army in partnership with IIT Madras has set up the Agnishodh Indian Army Research Cell (IARC) to strengthen indigenous capabilities in defence technology. The initiative supports the Army’s modernisation and technology integration goals under its transformation plan.
Static GK fact: IIT Madras has topped the NIRF India Rankings in the engineering category for nine consecutive years up to 2024.
Bridging Research and Military Needs
Agnishodh’s primary objective is to connect academic expertise with the practical requirements of military operations. The collaboration will channel scientific innovation into solutions that can be rapidly deployed in the field.
Key Collaborations
The programme will operate in association with the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Development Centre (AMTDC) and Pravartak Technologies Foundation within the IIT Madras Research Park. These partnerships aim to speed up the creation of advanced tools and systems for defence use.
Static GK fact: Pravartak Technologies Foundation functions as a Section 8 not-for-profit entity under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems.
Upskilling the Armed Forces
Personnel from the armed forces will receive advanced training in additive manufacturing, cyber security, quantum computing, wireless communications, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This will build an internal pool of technologically skilled defence professionals.
Long-Term Defence Impact
By transforming research excellence into practical defence innovation, Agnishodh will reduce reliance on foreign military technologies. The initiative also supports India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, aiming for developed nation status by the centenary of independence.
Static GK fact: Viksit Bharat 2047 is a national goal to position India among the world’s most advanced economies by 2047.
Strategic Role in Self-Reliance
Agnishodh complements the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India missions in the defence sector, fostering an environment where homegrown technologies can meet high-end operational demands.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Agnishodh Advancing Defence Technology in India:
| Topic | Detail |
| Founding bodies | Indian Army and IIT Madras |
| Name of initiative | Agnishodh Indian Army Research Cell (IARC) |
| Main objective | Strengthen indigenous defence technology |
| Core training areas | Additive manufacturing, cyber security, quantum computing, wireless communications, unmanned aerial systems |
| Institutional partners | AMTDC and Pravartak Technologies Foundation |
| Operating base | IIT Madras Research Park |
| Alignment with vision | Viksit Bharat 2047 |
| Policy connection | Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India |
| Target group | Military and technical personnel |
| Key outcome | Converting academic innovation into operational military solutions |
