Army Chief Unveils 'Manthan Prangan' at CLAWS, Signs Nine Chairs of Excellence to Boost Strategic Research

On Monday, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi inaugurated "Manthan Prangan," a state-of-the-art multiple resource facility at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) in New Delhi. This landmark event not only marks a significant milestone for India's premier think tank on strategic studies and land warfare but also underscores the Indian Army's commitment to advancing national and global security through innovative research and strategic thought.

The "Manthan Prangan" facility is designed to foster strategic thought, encourage innovation, and provide actionable insights in land warfare and conflict resolution. It represents a modern infrastructure that will be accessible to think tanks and agencies dedicated to defense and security matters. By promoting a culture of innovative research, this facility aims to enhance collaboration among various stakeholders, furthering the Indian Army's efforts to stay ahead in the realm of strategic and operational planning.

In a move to elevate CLAWS' research capabilities, General Dwivedi also signed agreements establishing nine Chairs of Excellence. These chairs are aimed at attracting top-tier scholars and practitioners to contribute to cutting-edge research in various aspects of military science and strategy. Each chair has a specific focus area, reflecting the diverse needs and strategic priorities of the Indian Army.

The Army Technological Chair of Excellence, established by the Deputy Chief of the Army Staff for Capability Development and Sustenance, is dedicated to advancing military technologies that enhance defense capabilities. Another notable chair, the Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria, Param Vir Chakra, Chair of Excellence, sponsored by the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information System and Coordination), will focus on fostering research in military innovations and strategies.

The Civil-Military Fusion Chair of Excellence, executed by the Territorial Army Directorate and sponsored by the same deputy chief, aims to enhance interoperability and strategic coordination between civil and military entities. The Major General Harkirat Singh Chair of Excellence, established by the Engineer-In-Chief Branch, will advance military engineering technology and innovation.

The Director General Infantry Chair of Excellence, under the Infantry Directorate, is focused on advancing infantry tactics, technology integration, and strategic doctrine to improve operational effectiveness and readiness. The General Zorawar Chair of Excellence, sponsored by the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regiment, will concentrate on strategic studies and regional security, particularly concerning northern border security.

Other chairs include the Roaring Fours Manoeuvre Chair of Excellence, sponsored by the 44 Armoured Regiment, which will focus on advancing armoured warfare strategies, and the Director General Artillery Chair of Excellence, which will enhance artillery strategies, technologies, and operational doctrines.

Additionally, the Defence Chair of Excellence, sponsored by Adani Defence and Aerospace, is designed to foster research and development in defense technologies, aiming to boost India's military capabilities and strategic autonomy. This initiative represents a significant step forward in public-private partnership models for advanced military studies.

During the event, two books were released by General Dwivedi: "India and the Gulf: A Security Perspective" by Manjari Singh and "Securing the Future: A Youth Perspective on National Security Challenges." Both publications are expected to make substantial contributions to the discourse on contemporary security challenges.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tarun Kumar Aich, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), and Lieutenant General Dushyant Singh (retired), Director General CLAWS, among other senior officers.

CLAWS, an independent think tank based in New Delhi, focuses on national security issues, conventional military operations, and sub-conventional warfare. The establishment of "Manthan Prangan" and the introduction of the nine Chairs of Excellence signify a new era of strategic research and innovative defense studies, reinforcing CLAWS' role as a leading institution in the field of military strategy and security.