India’s External and Internal Security Strengthened by the Armed Forces: Insights from General Sumit Rana (GOC) at IIMT University

General Sumit Rana, General Officer Commanding (GOC), West UP Sub Area, delivered a powerful address at IIMT University, Meerut, on the multi-dimensional role of the Indian Armed Forces in securing the nation, supporting civil society, and shaping future-ready youth.

The Indian Army: Backbone of External Defence and Internal Stability

India’s security environment is layered with geopolitical complexity and internal challenges. General Sumit Rana emphasized that the Indian Army’s role extends far beyond border defence: it is instrumental in maintaining internal stability, supporting civil governance during crises, and safeguarding the democratic fabric of the country. The Army’s performance across conflicts since independence demonstrates a sustained tradition of operational excellence and strategic resilience.

Historic Valor and Contemporary Lessons

General Rana recounted historic examples that shape the Army’s ethos — from early post-independence wars to the decisive feats during the Kargil War. He specifically referenced the valor of Major Vikram Batra as an exemplar of courage and self-sacrifice. These narratives underline a central message: institutional memory and honourable tradition continue to guide military conduct, even as tactics and technologies evolve.

Driving Self-Reliance: India’s Defence Manufacturing and Technological Leap

Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence is not aspirational rhetoric; it is a measurable movement. General Rana highlighted recent initiatives where India has demonstrated tactical precision and strategic deterrence — the Surgical Strikes and operations like Operation Sindoor — and noted that India is increasingly exporting defence platforms and equipment to friendly nations. Concurrently, the armed forces are accelerating adoption of Artificial Intelligence, cyber capabilities, unmanned systems, and advanced surveillance to strengthen situational awareness and decision-making speed.

Humanitarian Role: Disaster Relief, Health, and Community Service

The Army’s responsibilities often extend into humanitarian relief: during floods, earthquakes, or pandemics, it conducts rescue operations, establishes medical camps, and supports logistics and evacuation. General Rana stressed that such contributions are central to the public’s trust in the armed forces. The Army’s well-coordinated disaster response capability saves lives and stabilizes communities during abrupt crises.

Education and Character Building: Schools and Military Training Institutions

Institutions such as Army Public Schools, Sainik Schools, and Rashtriya Military Colleges (RMC) cultivate discipline, leadership, and civic values. General Rana pointed out that these institutions create an ecosystem that produces disciplined citizens and potential future military leaders who carry forward values of service and responsibility.

Gender Inclusion: Women in the Armed Forces

Gender integration remains a priority. The Indian Army has been progressively expanding roles and responsibilities for women officers, reaffirming a commitment to equal opportunity without gender bias. Women now serve with distinction across many branches, contributing meaningfully to operational effectiveness and organizational diversity.

Agnipath Scheme: Empowering Youth Through Military Service

General Rana elaborated on the Agnipath scheme as a strategic initiative to engage youth, impart discipline, and create employable veterans. Agniveers receive rigorous training, leadership exposure, and the ethos of service — making them employable in both defence and civilian sectors. The program is viewed as a national investment in both human capital and civic responsibility.

Youth and Nation Building: A Call to Action

Addressing the student body directly, General Rana said, “The future of India rests with its youth.” He urged students to set clear goals, pursue research and innovation, embrace social responsibility, and become role models. These recommendations highlighted a dual responsibility: to pursue personal excellence while contributing to the nation’s collective progress.

IIMT University: Fostering Defence-Civil Dialogue

The presence of Chancellor Yogesh Mohanji Gupta and Pro-Chancellor Dr. Mayank Agarwal reflected IIMT University’s commitment to bridging academic learning with real-world leadership. Their welcome and vote of thanks emphasized that defence leadership’s engagement with students enriches academic discourse and motivates youth to consider careers and research that align with national priorities.