In a significant advancement for secure military communications, the Indian Army has transitioned away from widely used platforms like WhatsApp, opting instead for its own indigenously developed solution named SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version) during Operation Sindoor. This transition signals a crucial step in enhancing the security of sensitive communications within the armed forces through homegrown technology.
SAMBHAV is a comprehensive end-to-end mobile communication platform tailored specifically for defense applications. Utilizing 5G technology, the system features multi-layered encryption, offering protection against eavesdropping and ensuring the confidentiality of communications. One of the cornerstone applications of SAMBHAV is M-Sigma, which facilitates the secure exchange of documents, images, and videos, serving as a reliable alternative to traditional messaging platforms.
General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, emphasized the critical role of SAMBHAV devices in maintaining secure command and coordination during Operation Sindoor. He characterized the mission as a “landmark, intelligence-driven response” that harmonized conventional military prowess with cutting-edge technological capacities. This operation exemplifies a comprehensive national approach that brings together soldiers, commanders, scientists, and policymakers to achieve strategic objectives.
The initiative has already seen the deployment of approximately 30,000 SAMBHAV handsets since its inception. Designed to be network-agnostic, the system secures communications across various public cellular networks through advanced encryption techniques. Additionally, the Army is planning further enhancements to the platform’s security features and capabilities.
The implications of SAMBHAV reach beyond immediate battlefield operations; it has also been utilized during critical military negotiations with China. This implementation is considered a major progression in the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aiming to bolster India’s strategic autonomy and confidentiality in defense communications.
The adoption of SAMBHAV not only highlights the Army’s commitment to advancing future-ready warfare but also signals an ongoing drive for technological innovation and self-reliance in the realm of national security.
