Ex Trishul: How Army’s Southern Command Is Turning PM Modi’s ‘JAI’ Vision Into Battlefield Reality
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid out a powerful mantra to shape India’s future military readiness – JAI: Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation. This isn’t just a slogan. It’s a roadmap for transforming the Armed Forces into a seamless, self-reliant, and tech-driven warfighting force.
His call is clear, that there be jointness for deeper coordination among the three services, atmanirbharta for indigenous strength and reduced foreign dependency, innovation to stay ahead of evolving threats. PM Modi had last month instructed the defence ministry to swiftly implement concrete steps to achieve greater jointness, atmanirbharta and innovation to meet future challenges and requirements of an evolving battlefield.
And at the heart of this transformation stands the Indian Army’s Southern Command.
JAI strategy: How is Army’s Southern Command bringing it to life?
Under the leadership of Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, the Southern Command has emerged as a frontline executor of the Prime Minister’s doctrine. Known for having jointness in its DNA, the command has long practiced – synergised operational planning, cross-service coordination, adoption of indigenous systems and ideas.
But this time, the stage is much bigger, and the spotlight is on upcoming exercise Ex Trishul.
What makes ‘Ex Trishul’ a landmark exercise?
The upcoming Ex Trishul exercise is not just another military drill. It is a live demonstration of JAI in motion, as it would be a large-scale tri-service exercise involving the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, orchestrated with precision. The training will span some of the country’s most testing theatres:
- Desert and creek sectors for offensive manoeuvres
- Saurashtra coast for amphibious operations
- Multi-domain battle spaces integrating:
- Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR)
- Electronic Warfare (EW)
- Cyber capabilities
The Southern Command troops will validate how land, sea, air, cyber, and information domains can converge in real time, a hallmark of future wars, the defence ministry said in a statement.
Where does Atmanirbharta fit into the equation?
One of the most compelling aspects of Ex Trishul is the operational use of indigenous systems. From equipment to tactics, the exercise will put Indian-made technologies and platforms at the forefront. This aligns directly with the PM’s stress on self-reliance in defence.
These upcoming armed forces’ drills will help refine new tactics, techniques, and procedures; test homegrown capabilities in real conditions; adapt to evolving threats and new-age warfare dynamics.
While the nation celebrates its festivals, soldiers of Southern Command remain deployed, alert, and training rigorously. Their preparation for Ex Trishul reflects the spirit that defines the Indian Army – Ever Committed, Ever Ready. Their dedication is not just duty. It is a living tribute to the JAI doctrine.
