Southern Command INDIAN ARMY

#SouthernCommand troops conducted joint training with #CISF focused on urban #CounterTerrorism and internal security contingencies. The training strengthened interoperability, tactical procedures, response protocols and joint preparedness, while enhancing synergy and shared resolve under a #WholeOfNation approach to emerging security challenges. #IndianArmy #SouthernCommand #JointTraining @SpokespersonMoD @HQ_IDS_India @adgpi @CISFHQrs @KonarkCorps @PRODefPune

#IndianArmy #MondayMotivation Transcending Terrain. Dominating Domains. #SouthernWarriors bridging terrain, water and mission demands — strengthening agility, coordination and operational readiness across domains. #TrainingForDuty #OperationalExcellence #DecadeOfTransformation #FutureReady @adgpi @PRODefPune

#StoriesOfGrit Bare Fists to Boxing Glory — The Making of a Champion Mentor. From a remote village in Nagaland, where a young boy first understood discipline by watching his father leave home in uniform, began the journey of Subedar Prakash Gurung of Gorkha Rifles — a boxer, soldier and mentor. His first lessons came from a makeshift punching bag and a dream larger than his circumstances. Selection into the Boys Sports Company opened the road ahead, and every bruise in the ring became a step towards excellence. Winning multiple medals at Services and National Boxing Championships, he emerged among India’s finest prospects and earning an Olympic shortlist in 2008. As a certified Boxing Coach from the Army Sports Institute, he transformed hard-earned skill into mentorship. His role moved beyond the ring; he became a guide who turned individual promise into team strength. In July 2026, that years-long journey of discipline and mentorship found powerful expression when the Southern Command Boxing Team achieved an unparalleled feat at the Inter Command Championship, securing 6 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Medals, along with the Best Boxer title. For Subedar Gurung, every medal won by his team is a continuation of his own fight — proof that grit becomes legacy when it is passed on, inspiring champions to rise with discipline, courage and purpose. #IndianArmy #Boxing #SportingExcellence @adgpi @IA_SportsAdvntr @PRODefPune

#VeteranAchievers Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, AVSM, VSM, #ArmyCommander, #SouthernCommand felicitated six distinguished #Veterans during a ceremony organised by #WhiteTigerDivision, recognising their exemplary contributions towards Veteran Welfare, Youth Empowerment, Community Development and #NationBuilding. Through their selfless service beyond the uniform, the awardees have enriched the lives of veterans, strengthened community outreach, promoted digital inclusion and inspired future generations.. Their continued service beyond the uniform reflects the enduring values and ethos of the #IndianArmy. #WeCare #SudarshanChakraCorps @adgpi @PRODefPune

Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, AVSM, VSM, #ArmyCommander, #SouthernCommand visited #WhiteTigerDivision at Jhansi to review combat readiness and capability enhancement initiatives. The Army Commander was briefed on induction of New Generation Equipment, AI-enabled systems, indigenous innovations, unmanned platforms and enhanced UAS/counter-UAS capabilities, reinforcing the formation’s focus on #TechAbsorption, innovation and future-ready warfighting. He also interacted with personnel of #ShauryaSquadron and witnessed an equipment display showcasing the formation's modern combat capabilities. Commending the Formation's sustained focus on innovation, technology absorption and operational excellence, the Army Commander appreciated the professionalism and commitment of all ranks. He exhorted them to remain agile, adaptive and mission-ready towards meeting emerging challenges, in consonance with the #IndianArmy's #DecadeOfTransformation. #SudarshanChakraCorps @adgpi @SpokespersonMoD @PRODefPune

#RakshaPensionSamadhanAayojan2026, organised by Principal Controller of Defence Accounts, #SouthernCommand, #Pune, commenced at BEG Centre, Kirkee, providing a dedicated platform for defence pensioners, Veer Naris, Veer Matas, Veer Pitas and Next of Kin to resolve pension-related grievances. Graced by Shri Vinod Kumar Vijay, Addl CGDA and Lt Gen Ajay Kumar, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Southern Command, the event also honoured veterans above 80 years of age. On the occasion, the #IndianArmy Adjutant General's Branch extended financial assistance to non-pensioner ex-servicemen and widows in penury, reaffirming the Indian Army's enduring commitment to the welfare and dignity of its veteran community. Nearly 1,200 veterans attended the opening day, reflecting the collective resolve to ensure timely pension support, compassionate outreach and holistic welfare for those who have served the Nation. #WeCare #VeteranWelfare @SpokespersonMoD @HQ_IDS_India @adgpi @PRODefPune

Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, AVSM, VSM, #ArmyCommander, #SouthernCommand reviewed the operational readiness of #SudarshanChakraCorps, #ShahbaazDivision and affiliated formations. He was briefed on operational readiness, mission preparedness and ongoing capability development initiatives. The Army Commander reviewed advanced training and #TechAbsorption initiatives undertaken by Sudarshan Chakra Corps. He also witnessed indigenous UAV platforms at #ShahbaazDivision demonstrating precision engagement capabilities to counter emerging threats. He lauded the formation's indigenous capability development initiatives in line with the #IndianArmy's #DecadeOfTransformation. Interacting with troops, the Army Commander commended all ranks for their professionalism, operational preparedness and pursuit of excellence. He exhorted them to continue strengthening indigenous capabilities, embrace emerging technologies and remain a resolute, #FutureReady force prepared to meet the challenges of future battlefields #IndianArmy #DecadeOfTransformation @adgpi @PRODefPune @SpokespersonMoD

#ArmyCommander and all ranks of #SouthernCommand congratulate the Southern Command Boxing Team for emerging Champions at the Army Inter Command Boxing Championship 2026, held under the aegis of MEG & Centre, #Bengaluru. Displaying exceptional teamwork, determination and fighting spirit throughout the tournament, the team was also felicitated by the Army Commander for its commanding performance and remarkable achievement. #IndianArmy #Boxing #Champions @adgpi @PRODefPune @IA_SportsAdvntr

Champions are built where determination meets opportunity. Athletes training at the Army Paralympic Node, BEG Centre, #Khadki, #Pune delivered a flawless performance at the 5th National Para Taekwondo Championships 2026, Pune. 3 Participants | 3 Gold Medals | 3 National Champions Remarkably, all three took up the sport just eight months ago. #IndianArmy #ParaTaekwondo #SportsExcellence #MissionOlympic @adgpi @PRODefPune @IA_SportsAdvntr

#IndianArmy #MondayMotivation Guardians of the Skies. #SouthernWarriors excel in Air Defence readiness through precision firing, disciplined drills and coordinated action — vigilant, swift and mission-ready. #TrainingForDuty #OperationalExcellence #DecadeOfTransformation #FutureReady @adgpi @PRODefPune

Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, #SouthernCommand, addressed all officers of the Command, outlining key priorities for the road ahead. The #ArmyCommander outlined operational preparedness, uncompromising integrity, and sustained efforts towards enhancing the happiness quotient of all ranks as his Key Focus Areas, emphasising that these remain fundamental to sustaining the foundation of a combat-ready and future-ready force. Post the address, he felicitated individuals with Commendation Cards for exemplary leadership, courage and resilience during rescue operations following the building collapse at the Waste-to-Energy project site, Moshi, #PimpriChinchwad, #Pune. #FutureReady #OperationalReadiness #MilitaryLeadership @adgpi @SpokespersonMoD @PRODefPune

#ArmyCommander and all ranks of #SouthernCommand congratulate Havildar Paras of #MAHARRegt for clinching Gold in the Heavyweight category (85–90 kg) at the Army Inter Command Boxing Championship 2026, held at MEG, Bengaluru. Displaying exceptional skill, grit and resilience, he outclassed formidable opponents to secure the top honour and bring laurels to his Regiment and Formation. #IndianArmy #Boxing #SportingExcellence @adgpi @IA_SportsAdvntr @PRODefPune

Specialists at #AICTS #Pune successfully performed a rare and highly complex minimally invasive heart procedure on a patient with previous valve replacement and severe leakage of the right-sided heart valve. By implanting two valves simultaneously in major veins leading to the

#StoriesOfGrit Vaulting to Glory — Lance Havildar Seeta Ram’s Journey Beyond Limits From tending sheep in Bhopalgarh, Jodhpur, to standing on international podiums, Lance Havildar Seeta Ram’s journey is a story of grit shaped far from formal arenas. As a young boy, he practised pole vault with wooden sticks and walked seven kilometres every day to train. What began with limited means was sustained by extraordinary #determination. Joining the #IndianArmy in 2005 gave his ambition direction and discipline. A versatile athlete across multiple sports, he continued to pursue excellence in pole vault, eventually winning Silver at the 45th National Masters Athletics Championship 2025 and Gold at the 25th Asia Masters Athletics Championship 2025. His relentless pursuit of excellence has earned him the honour of representing India at the 26th World Masters Athletics Championship in South Korea, he carries with him the story of a shepherd who refused to let circumstances define the height of his dreams. His journey is a powerful reminder that with discipline, perseverance and purpose, even the humblest beginnings can rise to global heights. #IndianArmy #PrideOfIndia #WorldMastersAthletics @adgpi @IA_SportsAdvntr @PRODefPune

Surg VAdm Arti Sarin, #DGAFMS, reviewed the Commissioning Parade of the graduating cadets of #AFMC at Capt Devashish Sharma, KC Ground on 10 Jul 2026. A total of 144 cadets successfully passed out, of whom 141 were commissioned into the Armed Forces Medical Services. The newly commissioned officers comprise 112 for the Army, 17 for the Indian Air Force and 12 for the Indian Navy, including four cadets from Friendly Foreign Countries. Addressing the newly commissioned officers, the #DGAFMS urged them to uphold the highest standards of professional excellence, military ethos, compassion and selfless service in the care of the Nation’s soldiers, sailors, air warriors and veterans. The parade, commanded by Lt Nikhil Kumar Jha, was followed by the Academic Awards Ceremony recognising excellence in academics and all-round achievements. @DefenceMinIndia @adgpi @indiannavy @IAF_MCC @HQ_IDS_India @SpokespersonMoD @IaSouthern @PIB_India @PRODefPune #DGAFMS #AFMC

Major General Varun Malhotra, took over the command of Headquarters Uttar Maharashtra & Gujarat Sub Area on 10 July 2026. Commissioned into Corps of Engineers, The Bombay Sappers, the General Officer brings with him over three decades of experience and distinguished service across a wide spectrum of command, instructional and staff appointments. On assuming command, he interacted with officers and all ranks. He complimented them for their professionalism and exhorted all personnel to maintain the highest standards of operational preparedness while remaining vigilant to emerging security challenges. #IndianArmy #Leadership @adgpi @DefencePRO_Guj @PRODefPune @SpokespersonMoD

Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar, AVSM, VSM, assumed the appointment of Chief of Staff, #SouthernCommand, today. In a solemn ceremony, he laid a wreath at the Southern Command War Memorial, #Pune, and paid homage to the #Bravehearts whose courage and supreme sacrifice continue to inspire all ranks of the #IndianArmy. The ceremony reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to uphold the highest traditions of duty, honour and service to the Nation. #IndianArmy @adgpi @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD @PRODefPune

Following the building collapse at the Waste-to-Energy project site, Moshi, #PimpriChinchwad, #Pune on 08 Jul 2026, #SouthernCommand responded promptly to the requisition from the State Administration and deployed Army Rescue, Engineer and Medical teams for assistance. Operating in close coordination with NDRF, Fire Service, Police and civil administration, the #IndianArmy teams are supporting search and rescue efforts, debris clearance and on-site medical aid in challenging conditions. Rescue operations are continuing. #IndianArmy #AidToCivilAuthorities #MilitaryCivilFusion @adgpi @PRODefPune @NDRFHQ @MahaDGIPR @SDMAMaharashtra

Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, AVSM, VSM, #ArmyCommander, #SouthernCommand visited #MechanisedInfantryCentre & School, #Ahilyanagar to review modern training initiatives and state-of-the-art infrastructure, including AR/VR Lab and Combat Simulation Zone. The visit highlighted technology-enabled training, adaptive methodologies and future-ready warfighting capabilities for enhanced combat readiness. #IndianArmy #TechAbsorption @adgpi @PRODefPune