Western Command signed MoU with IIT Ropar and IIT Kanpur for defence innovation

Current Context: On June 20, 2025, the Indian Army’s Western Command signed MoUs with IIT Ropar and IIT Kanpur to deepen defence-academia collaboration.

Where:

• MoU with IIT Ropar was signed during a defence innovation showcase in Punjab.
• MoU with IIT Kanpur was signed at the IIT Kanpur campus, Uttar Pradesh.

Aim: To foster joint research, innovation, and indigenisation in defence technologies by leveraging academic expertise and startup ecosystems.

Highlights:

• At IIT Ropar: Showcased UAVs, VR-enabled drones, electronic warfare tools, and tactical infrastructure.
• At IIT Kanpur: Demonstrated real-time surveillance, field-ready robotics, and cybersecurity solutions by startups like TerrAqua UAV, Maraal Aerospace, and Xterra Robotics.
• The MoUs were signed by Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, GOC-in-C, Western Command, and institute directors.

The collaboration spans engineering, biomedical sciences, cybersecurity, and more, aiming to bridge operational needs with academic innovation.

Question:

Q.1 On June 20, 2025, which command of the Indian Army signed MoUs with IIT Ropar and IIT Kanpur to foster defence-academia collaboration?
a) Northern Command
b) Eastern Command
c) Western Command
d) Southern Command

Answer: c) The MoUs were signed by the Indian Army’s Western Command to enhance collaboration in research and innovation with academic institutions.