Major General Adarsha Verma Assumes Command of Agnibaaz Division in the Indian Army

Major General Adarsha Verma, VSM, has officially taken over command of the Indian Army's Agnibaaz Division, succeeding Major General Amar Pal Singh Chahal. The ceremonial transition took place at the Southern Command headquarters today.

The handover ceremony featured the customary exchange of mementos, a gesture symbolizing the values of continuity, discipline, and honour. Major General Verma steps into the role with an impressive background in counter-insurgency operations, United Nations peacekeeping missions, and strategic military planning. An accomplished scholar, he possesses advanced degrees in Weapon Technology, Defence and Strategic Studies, and Management. He has also served as a Research Fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses.

In his inaugural address, Major General Verma highlighted his commitment to enhancing operational readiness, fostering technological innovation, and ensuring mission-oriented training. His vision is in line with the Indian Army's "Decade of Transformation" initiative, which aims to modernize 70% of the army's equipment by 2030.

Under Major General Chahal's leadership, the Agnibaaz Division was recognized for its innovation and outreach efforts. Key accomplishments during his tenure include the establishment of a modern 10-meter Air Rifle Shooting Range to enhance precision training and the successful completion of a 4,000-kilometer Kargil Vijay Diwas Bike Expedition from Dhanushkodi to Dras, honoring the heroes of the 1999 Kargil conflict.

The Agnibaaz Division operates under the Indian Army's Southern Command, which has been active since 1895, playing vital roles in historical events such as the integration of princely states, the liberation of Goa in 1961, and the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. The Command is currently led by Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, who focuses on modernization and operational excellence across formations.

With this change in leadership, the Agnibaaz Division is poised to play a crucial role in shaping future force structures and battlefield strategies, aligning with India's evolving security landscape.