Lt Gen Harbinder Singh Vandra, Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Signals and Chief of Staff of the Sapta Shakti Command, undertook a significant visit to the Spearhead Signallers to evaluate their readiness for operational tasks within the framework of the Indian Army’s ambitious “Decade of Transformation.” During this visit, he inspected a cutting-edge, network-enabled Communication Complex and commended the Signallers for their unwavering courage and exceptional commitment in challenging operational environments.
The Sapta Shakti Command, located in Jaipur, is one of the Indian Army’s seven operational commands, tasked with overseeing the strategic Western Command region. This command is integral to enhancing the Army’s combat effectiveness, playing a crucial role in defending India’s western borders that stretch across diverse terrains, including the arid deserts of Rajasthan and the rugged mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. Renowned for its rapid response capabilities, the command integrates advanced technology to ensure seamless communication and coordination across its extensive operational area.
Lt Gen Vandra’s visit highlighted the Indian Army’s dedication to modernization, showcasing the evolution of the Corps of Signals since its inception in 1911. Initially relying on basic communication methods such as semaphores and telegraphs, the Corps has transformed significantly, now adept in satellite communications, cyber operations, and electronic warfare. This transformation is bolstered by intensive training at the Military College of Telecommunication Engineering (MCTE) in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.
The Corps’ motto, “Teevra Chaukas” (Swift and Secure), encapsulates its commitment to delivering reliable and rapid communication services, a critical capability that was instrumental during past conflicts, notably the 1999 Kargil War, where advancements in technology significantly mitigated initial communication failures.
Additionally, the visit underscored the Army’s substantial investment in advanced technology. The procurement through the Government-e-Marketplace has skyrocketed from Rs 21 crore in 2017 to Rs 15,433 crore in the financial year 2023-24. This substantial financial investment has facilitated the integration of state-of-the-art systems, thereby enhancing the readiness of the Signallers for future operational challenges. Lt Gen Vandra praised the troops for their professional excellence and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to technology-driven training and strategic planning.
The event featured interactive sessions with personnel and inspections of operational innovations, reinforcing the significance of the Sapta Shakti Command as a foundational element of India’s defense strategy. It aims to blend traditional practices with technological advancements to address contemporary security challenges effectively.
