Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command of the Indian Army, recently visited the Army Institute of Physical Training (AIPT) in Pune to evaluate its training programs, infrastructure, and its overall contribution to bolstering the physical and mental readiness of Indian soldiers. This visit underscores the Army’s commitment to holistic well-being as a key element of military preparedness.
During his visit, Lt Gen Seth observed live demonstrations of training sessions, notably the Army Martial Arts Routine (AMAR), which integrates mixed martial arts techniques aimed at enhancing combat efficiency, agility, and endurance. He also reviewed various physical training modules designed to develop core strength and resilience—qualities essential for success in modern combat environments.
The General Officer commended AIPT for its vital role in amplifying the physical and psychological conditioning of soldiers, emphasizing the institute’s significance in equipping troops to tackle the challenges presented by contemporary and future battlefields.
The AIPT, recognized as a leading training center in Pune, has trained personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary forces since its renaming in 2005. The institution offers a broad spectrum of specialized programs that focus on fitness, mental toughness, and combat skills, all facilitated by state-of-the-art infrastructure and skilled trainers.
Lt Gen Seth, who took command of Southern Command on July 1, 2024, is driving initiatives aimed at modernizing training protocols and enhancing soldier welfare. His visit aligns with the Indian Army’s broader Holistic Wellbeing initiative, which draws inspiration from international models such as the U.S. Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness system. This comprehensive approach combines strength training, agility improvement, and mental resilience—attributes increasingly critical in light of the military’s evolving challenges, including those along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Additionally, the visit featured a ceremonial moment where Lt Gen Seth presented a flag adorned with the AIPT insignia as a symbol of recognition for the institute’s ongoing contributions to the Army’s training framework. Senior instructors and officers briefed him on how advanced methodologies, including sports science and martial arts, are integrated into the training curricula.
The Indian Army remains focused on implementing innovative and comprehensive training strategies to ensure its personnel are both physically and mentally prepared to meet the dynamic demands of national and global security.
