SHIMLA – In a significant boost to the morale of the Indian Armed Forces, President Droupadi Murmu, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited the headquarters of the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) in Shimla on Friday. The visit, which took place during her five-day sojourn to Himachal Pradesh, focused on reviewing the Indian Army’s training methodologies, institutional excellence, and the integration of cutting-edge technology into military doctrine.
Upon her arrival at the historic ARTRAC headquarters, the President was warmly received by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Kavinder Gupta, and Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), ARTRAC. The visit underscores the pivotal role that training and doctrine play in maintaining India’s territorial integrity and enhancing its strategic deterrence.
A Vision for a Modern, Future-Ready Force
During her visit, President Murmu was briefed extensively on the evolution of ARTRAC and its critical role in shaping the “Art of War” for the Indian Army. Established in 1991, ARTRAC serves as the nodal agency for all institutional training, overseeing 32 premier training establishments across the country.
The President expressed her appreciation for the command’s efforts in fostering innovation and building future-ready military leaders. She emphasized that in an era of rapidly changing global security dynamics, the ability to adapt and learn is as crucial as physical prowess on the battlefield.
Embracing Niche Technologies: Drones, AI, and Cyber Warfare
Lt Gen Devendra Sharma briefed the President on several novel initiatives undertaken by the command to modernize the Indian Army’s operational preparedness. A primary focus of the briefing was the absorption of niche technologies, including:
- Drone Training: Impetus on tactical and operational use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Integrating AI into decision-making processes and predictive analytics.
- Cyber Warfare: Developing robust frameworks to counter emerging threats in the digital domain.
- Red Teaming: The introduction of specialized “adversary” simulations to test and refine military strategies under realistic conditions.
The President acknowledged that these technological advancements are essential for the Indian Army to maintain its edge in conventional, sub-conventional, and hybrid conflict scenarios.
Strengthening Global Ties and Professionalism
Beyond domestic training, ARTRAC plays a vital role in India’s defence diplomacy. The command manages widespread engagements with friendly foreign countries, offering specialized training programs that enhance international cooperation and interoperability.
President Murmu noted that the Indian Army’s professionalism is a global benchmark. She exhorted all ranks and civilian employees of ARTRAC to continue working with fervor to ensure that the nation remains secure and strong. She specifically lauded the Command’s commitment to digitization and automation, which streamlines administrative and operational workflows within the force.
Conclusion of the Presidential Visit
The visit concluded with the President interacting with senior officers and appreciating the scenic and historic significance of the ARTRAC premises in Shimla. Despite inclement weather during parts of her trip, the President’s engagement with the military leadership remained a high priority.
Following the review, President Murmu was accorded a warm send-off at the Annandale Helipad by a delegation including Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and other senior civil and military officials. This visit serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s unwavering support for its soldiers and the continuous pursuit of excellence within the Indian Army’s training corridors.
