Army's Sudarshan Chakra Corps: India's other Krishna-inspired force keeping Pakistan in check

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced the launch of Sudarshan Chakra Mission to modernise the national security shield of India and build a powerful indigenous weapon system that can neutralise enemy threats and strike back with greater force.

In his Independence Day address from Red Fort, PM Modi said that by 2035, India should expand, strengthen and modernise its national security shield.

Drawing inspiration from Lord Krishna on the eve of Janmashtami, PM Modi said that India has chosen the path of the Sudarshan Chakra as he announced the ambitious mission to boost the country's national security.

Sudarshan Chakra is a legendary, disc-shaped weapon in Hindu texts which originally belongs to Lord Vishnu. The weapon is also associated with Lord Krishna — considered an incarnation of Vishnu — who wields it during his time on Earth.

In modern India, “Sudarshan Chakra” has been a source of inspiration for the Indian forces. It's the nickname for the highly advanced Russia-made S-400 air defence missile system operated by the Indian Air Force.

Notably, the Indian Army’s XXI Corps also takes its name from the mythological weapon since it symbolises unstoppable, precise and swift destruction of the enemy.

All about 'Sudarshan Chakra Corps'

Headquartered in Bhopal and officially designated as XXI Corps, Sudarshan Chakra Corps dates back to 1917 when it was first raised for World War I operations in the Middle East.

It was re-raised during World War II and reorganised in 1990 to address regional threats. The Corps now operates under the Pune-based Southern Command and is the only strike corps in this region.

Role against Pakistan

The Sudarshan Chakra Corps plays a key offensive and deterrent role in India’s military doctrine against Pakistan.

As one of the country’s primary strike corps, it is structured and trained for rapid mobilisation and deep thrusts into enemy territory.

In line with India’s “Cold Start” or Pro-Active doctrine, the Corps is tasked with launching swift armoured and mechanised offensives across the western front, supported by air power, to seize territory quickly and neutralise strategic military targets within Pakistan.

Its integrated air-land battle exercises, involving tens of thousands of troops and heavy firepower, are regularly conducted along the western border to validate operational effectiveness and signal readiness for any escalation.

By maintaining high combat readiness and versatile capabilities, the Corps serves both as a deterrent to Pakistani aggression and the main striking force should hostilities erupt.

Composition

The Corps’ structure includes the 31 Armoured Division or “White Tiger Division” based in Jhansi-Babina, the 36 Rapid Infantry Division or “Shahbaaz Division” in Sagar, the 54 Infantry Division or “Bison Division” from Secunderabad, and the 41 Artillery Division or “Agnibaaz Division” in Pune. These are supported by armoured, artillery, infantry, air defence, engineering and support brigades.

The Corps also possesses amphibious capabilities, a feature seen as increasingly significant given rising maritime collaborations between China and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean region. It continues to integrate advanced technologies to enhance operational effectiveness.

Earlier this month, Lt Gen Arvind Chauhan assumed charge of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps as its 29th General Officer Commanding, succeeding Lt Gen Prit Pal Singh.