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Key Points

Major Rajprasad RS received the NSG Counter IED Innovator Award for his groundbreaking Agniastra and Shatrunash devices. Meanwhile, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, recently honored with the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, has been appointed Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy). Ghai previously played a key role in Operation Sindoor and Kashmir counter-insurgency operations. The Army has already inducted three of Major Rajprasad's innovations into active service.

Key Points: Major Rajprasad RS Wins NSG Counter IED Innovator Award for Agniastra

  • Major Rajprasad RS awarded for remote detonation & EMP tech
  • Lt Gen Ghai appointed Deputy Chief (Strategy)
  • Ghai awarded Uttam Yudh Seva Medal
  • Army inducts 3 of Major Rajprasad's innovations
3 min read

Indian Army officer Major Rajprasad RS receives NSG Counter IED Innovator award

Indian Army Major Rajprasad RS honored for Agniastra and Shatrunash innovations, while Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai takes key strategic role.

"Ashes to Ashes – Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai on India's air defense during Operation Sindoor"

New Delhi, June 12

Indian Army Officer Major Rajprasad RS from the Corps of Engineers received the 'NSG Counter IED Innovator Award' from Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan.

The award was given to the officer during the National Security Guard Seminar on Wednesday held in Delhi for two of his innovations -- "Agniastra- Multi Target Portable Remote Detonation System" and "Shatrunash- Handlheld EMP Gun."

Three innovations developed by Major Ramprasad have already been inducted in the Indian Army.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy). Ghai will continue to hold the post of DGMO.

The Deputy Chief (Strategy) is a relatively new vertical created to oversee the Indian Army's Operations and Intelligence Directorates, among other important branches. It is considered one of the most crucial appointments within the Indian Army, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence.

On June 4, Lt Gen Ghai was also awarded the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 (Phase-II), recognising his distinguished service.

Earlier this year, Lt Gen Ghai had also visited Manipur around February 25 to assess the security situation in the state, especially along the Indo-Myanmar Border (IMB). During his visit, he held meetings with key state officials, including the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the State Security Advisor, the Chief Secretary, and the Director General of Police. The visit to the conflict-marred region aimed to review the operational preparedness of the Indian Army and assess the status of ongoing border infrastructure projects.

In a press briefing on May 12, a couple of days after the cessation of hostilities was announced with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, Lt Gen Ghai underlined the preparedness and coordinated response of the Indian armed forces. The operation involved precision strikes against terrorist targets without crossing the Line of Control or the International Boundary. Interestingly, the now Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) had used a cricket analogy, "Ashes to Ashes", to describe how India employed its multi-layered air defence systems to neutralise incoming aerial threats from Pakistan.

Lt Gen Ghai, a senior officer from the Kumaon Regiment, has held several key operational roles in his military career. As the GOC of the Chinar Corps before becoming DGMO, he was at the forefront of counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

On October 25, last year, Lt Gen Ghai assumed his role as DGMO.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya K.
Heartiest congratulations to Major Rajprasad RS! 🇮🇳 These innovations will be game-changers in counter-terrorism operations. Our forces deserve the best tech to stay ahead of threats. The Agniastra system sounds particularly impressive - hope to see more such indigenous solutions!
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Amit S.
Great to see our officers getting recognition! But I wonder why such awards aren't publicized more? Our youth should know about these heroes. Maybe Doordarshan could do special features on such innovations - better than the usual soap operas!
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Rahul V.
Lt Gen Ghai's appointment as Deputy Chief (Strategy) shows the Army's forward thinking. His experience in J&K and the recent Pakistan operations makes him perfect for this role. The cricket analogy was brilliant - only an Indian officer could explain military strategy using sports references! 😄
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Sunita M.
While we celebrate these achievements, we must also ensure these innovations reach frontline soldiers quickly. Sometimes there's too much bureaucracy in procurement. Jai Hind to our brave officers!
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Vikram J.
The Manipur visit shows the Army's proactive approach to border security. With Myanmar's unstable situation, we need constant vigilance. Hope the border infrastructure projects get completed on time - delays cost us strategically.
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Neha P.
So proud of our armed forces! 👏 But I wish media gave as much coverage to such positive stories as they do to political drama. Major Rajprasad's work deserves prime time spotlight, not just a small news item.

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