Mumbai, Feb 20 (NationPress) The Indian Army and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay have officially established a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to propel collaborative research, software development, and talent enhancement, as stated by a Defence Ministry official on Friday.

“This partnership is designed to leverage the synergy between the Army and academia to speed up indigenous technological advancements and enhance capability development in emerging fields,” the official noted in a statement.

The MoU aims to shape the future of military technology through innovation and teamwork, fostering technological excellence for a more robust India, according to the Ministry of Defence's announcement on social media.

Earlier, during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 on Thursday, a panel discussion led by the Indian Army on 'Defence Perspective in AI' captivated a large audience, uniting military leaders, industry experts, and academia for a focused discussion on responsible AI in defence.

Lieutenant General Vipul Shinghal, DCOAS (IS&T), addressed leadership challenges in the AI era, while Lieutenant General Harsh Chhibber, DGIS, stressed the importance of human agency in the application of force.

Major General Pawan Anand (Retd) brought attention to ethical considerations and international humanitarian law. Insights from industry and academia were shared by Dr. Vikram Jayaram on technological sovereignty, Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan on India's sovereign AI stacks, and Madhumita Mohapatra on AI-driven logistics optimisation.

The session underscored a collective approach to operational transformation, rooted in responsible and ethical AI.

On February 16, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bengaluru, reviewing the progress of ongoing projects related to indigenous military gas turbine engine development, according to a statement.

He received updates on the establishment’s upcoming projects, interactions with the Indian industry, academia, and R&D institutes, as well as the support provided to the defence forces. He also toured an exhibition showcasing various indigenous engines and their components, witnessing the full afterburner engine test of the Kaveri engine.

While engaging with scientists and officials, Rajnath Singh commended GTRE for its initiatives aimed at strengthening national security through self-reliance, stating that DRDO is the cornerstone of India’s strategic capabilities.

He highlighted the vital necessity of achieving Aatmanirbharta in aero engine technology in the currently fast-changing geopolitical environment, asserting that every effort is being made to prioritize the development of aero engines in India.