MUMBAI: IIM Indore has established a significant educational partnership with the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) in Shimla, focusing on enhancing the Indian Army‘s operational capabilities.
The collaboration, formalised through an MoU on October 22, 2024, involves specialised Management Development Programmes in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. The agreement was signed by IIM Indore’s Director, Prof. Himanshu Rai, and Air Commodore AVG Patnaik of the Army Management Studies Board at ARTRAC.
The signing ceremony was attended by key personnel from both institutions, including Prof. Subin Sudhir, Prof. Rayees Ahmad Sheikh, Major General MK Mathur, Col. Irdeesh Khan, and Col. Divesh Kumar. The three-year agreement, spanning 2025-2028, aims to enhance senior Army officers’ operational efficiency through advanced management education.
Prof. Himanshu Rai highlighted the partnership’s importance, stating, “At IIM Indore, we strive to nurture leaders who can effectively respond to today’s complex challenges. With this MoU, we are honored to support the Indian Army’s operational excellence by providing advanced management training.
This program aligns with our mission of nation-building and reflects our commitment to intellectual and professional development within the defense forces.”
Major General MK Mathur discussed the Army’s progressive approach, noting, “The Indian Army continually adopts new strategies and technologies to maintain its operational superiority.
This MoU with IIM Indore will furnish our officers with vital insights into modern logistics and supply chain management, ensuring that our forces remain agile and responsive across all scenarios.”
Air Commodore AVG Patnaik acknowledged IIM Indore’s distinguished position in management education, emphasising its crucial role in strengthening the Army’s strategic and logistical capabilities for contemporary defence challenges.
The programme’s curriculum addresses specific military requirements, covering Supply Chain Metrics, Risk Management, Agri-based Supply Chains, and Contract Negotiations. Additional topics include Cold Chain Management, Reliability-Centred Maintenance, and E-Procurement, supplemented by practical case studies in Contract and Material Management.
This educational initiative represents a strategic alliance between ARTRAC and IIM Indore, aimed at modernising the Army’s logistical operations. The programme enhances both individual officer development and overall military operational effectiveness.
The partnership establishes a framework for future defence-academic collaborations, demonstrating IIM Indore’s commitment to strengthening India’s defence capabilities through advanced management education.
