The Indian Army took a significant step towards bolstering its research capabilities in land warfare studies with the inauguration of “Manthan Prangan” at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) in New Delhi. This state-of-the-art facility, unveiled by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, on July 22, 2024, in the presence of other high-ranking military officials, marks a new chapter in fostering strategic thought and innovation.
CLAWS, an independent think tank dedicated to national security, conventional military operations, and sub-conventional warfare, aims to shape strategic thought, foster innovation, and provide actionable insights through “Manthan Prangan.” The facility will serve as a hub for research and collaboration, accessible to think tanks and agencies engaged in defence and security matters.
A significant feature of the event was the establishment of nine Chairs of Excellence, designed to attract top-tier scholars and practitioners to enhance CLAWS’ research capabilities.
These chairs will focus on various strategic and technological areas, driving forward-thinking research critical for addressing future conflicts:
Army Technological Chair of Excellence: Established by the Deputy Chief of the Army Staff Capability Development and Sustenance, this chair focuses on advancing military technologies for enhanced defence capabilities.
Captain Gurbachan Singh Salaria, Param Vir Chakra, Chair of Excellence: Sponsored by the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information System and Coordination), this chair fosters research in military innovations and strategies.
Civil-Military Fusion Chair of Excellence: Sponsored by the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information System and Coordination) and executed by the Territorial Army Directorate, this chair aims to enhance interoperability and strategic coordination.
Major General Harkirat Singh Chair of Excellence: Established by the Engineer-In-Chief Branch, this chair focuses on advancing military engineering technology and innovation for enhanced defence capabilities.
Director General Infantry Chair of Excellence: Under the Infantry Directorate, this chair aims to advance infantry tactics, technology integration, and strategic doctrine to enhance operational effectiveness and readiness.
General Zorawar Chair of Excellence: Sponsored by the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regiment, this chair focuses on strategic studies and regional security, fostering research and dialogue on northern border security.
Roaring Fours Manoeuvre Chair of Excellence: Sponsored by the 44 Armoured Regiment, this chair focuses on advancing armoured warfare strategies and tactics through rigorous research and innovative military education.
Director General Artillery Chair of Excellence: Under the Artillery Directorate, this chair focuses on advancing artillery strategies, technologies, and operational doctrines to enhance the Indian Army’s combat effectiveness.
Defence Chair of Excellence: Sponsored by Adani Defence and Aerospace, this chair fosters research and development in defence technologies to enhance India’s military capabilities and strategic autonomy.
These initiatives aim to foster a culture of innovative research at CLAWS, promoting public-private partnerships in advanced military studies. By combining the expertise of military personnel and external scholars, CLAWS seeks to address contemporary security challenges with cutting-edge solutions.
Additionally, General Dwivedi released two significant books during the event: “India and the Gulf: A Security Perspective” by Dr Manjari Singh and “Securing the Future: Youth Perspective on National Security Challenges.” These works provide valuable insights into current security issues, contributing to the broader discourse on national and international security.
The inauguration of “Manthan Prangan” and the establishment of the Chairs of Excellence represent the Indian Army’s robust commitment to advancing national and global security. Through strategic research and innovation, CLAWS is poised to play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of future conflicts, ensuring the Indian Army remains at the forefront of military thought and technology.