Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, made an impactful visit today to the historic Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre (MLIRC) in Belagavi. This visit underscored the Indian Army’s ongoing commitment to modernizing military training and embracing innovative approaches, particularly in light of the evolving Agniveer training ecosystem that aligns with the Army’s “Decade of Transformation” roadmap.
During his time at the MLIRC, Lt Gen Seth conducted a thorough inspection of the facility’s infrastructure and observed the rigorous training regimens being followed by the Agniveers—short-term recruits introduced under a transformative manpower initiative. Speaking directly to the trainees, he emphasized the critical importance of adaptability, resilience, and technological proficiency in meeting the demands of modern combat. He expressed admiration for the Centre’s state-of-the-art training environment, urging recruits to adopt professionalism and discipline as fundamental qualities essential for the future-ready soldier.
This visit comes as part of a broader effort within the armed forces to promote indigenization and enhance capabilities. Recent data from the Ministry of Defence reveals a dramatic rise in the Army’s procurement through the Government-e-Marketplace (GeM) platform, escalating from Rs 21 crore in 2017 to over Rs 15,433 crore projected for 2023–24. This surge represents a significant milestone in achieving the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision of self-reliant defense. Furthermore, insights from a RAND Corporation study have underscored the growing importance of artificial intelligence and technology in military readiness, an area that the Army is increasingly prioritizing.
In addition to inspecting training facilities, Lt Gen Seth took time to engage with retired veterans, honoring several distinguished ex-servicemen from the region. He recognized the invaluable contributions of veterans in inspiring younger generations and fostering regimental spirit. The Maratha Light Infantry, established in 1800, boasts a storied legacy of service, including notable acts of valor such as the flying of 28 awards for the 114th Mahrattas during the 1918 Battle of Sharqat.
Lt Gen Seth reiterated that such visits play a crucial role in shaping training strategies and promoting grassroots innovation within the Army. With initiatives like the Agniveer scheme and dedicated infrastructure enhancements, the Indian Army is aligning its objectives with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, aiming to cultivate a professional, agile, and technologically advanced force equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
