In a significant demonstration of its amphibious operational readiness, the Sudarshan Chakra Corps of the Indian Army hosted a visit by Lieutenant General Prit Pal Singh, AVSM, the General Officer Commanding of the Corps, at the Banaswadi Military Garrison. This visit underscores the Army’s commitment to maintaining a high level of preparedness for both conventional and sub-conventional operations, amid changing regional security dynamics.
During the visit, Lt Gen Singh interacted with the amphibious troops of the Bison Division and praised their exceptional standards of training and operational readiness. He stressed the necessity of remaining vigilant and adapting strategies to counter evolving threats in the current security landscape. A primary focus of this engagement was the enhanced amphibious capabilities of the 91 Infantry Brigade, which was re-raised in 2009. This brigade, consisting of approximately 3,000 specially trained personnel, is equipped to conduct joint operations alongside the Indian Navy, reflecting India’s increasing emphasis on integrated warfare strategies.
The Sudarshan Chakra Corps, with its headquarters in Bhopal, boasts a distinguished operational legacy, having originally been established during World War I and restructured in 1990 to address emerging regional threats. The amphibious formations within the Corps play a vital role in the Indian Ocean region, particularly given the growing maritime cooperation between China and Pakistan.
Throughout his visit, Lt Gen Singh reviewed operational strategies and awarded commendation certificates to outstanding personnel, reinforcing the importance of maintaining high morale and focus among troops. His directives are in alignment with India’s evolving defense doctrine, which prioritizes joint operations and readiness in response to contemporary threats. A recent study by the RAND Corporation highlighted a 15% increase in joint military exercises since 2018, evidencing a clear trend towards enhancing multi-domain operational preparedness.
The overarching theme of the visit emphasizes the Indian Army’s strategic pivot towards enhanced inter-service collaboration and modernization of its operational capabilities, reflecting the shifting dynamics of both regional and global security. Such initiatives are crucial as the Army prepares to face the challenges posed by an increasingly complex security environment.
