Kolkata: Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Eastern Command, has awarded the GOC-in-C, Eastern Command Commendation Card to Colonel Prasad Bansod in recognition of his outstanding contribution to indigenous defence innovation.
Col Bansod played a pivotal role in the design and development of the ‘Asmi’ 9mm machine pistol, India’s first fully indigenously designed and developed submachine gun since Independence. The weapon, which has already seen induction into the Indian Army, exemplifies the force’s growing emphasis on self-reliance in critical small arms for close-quarter battle and special operations.
The commendation was conferred on Col Bansod’s for exceptional ingenuity, technical expertise, and unwavering commitment towards creating a reliable, lightweight, and cost-effective indigenous firearm. The ‘Asmi’ operates on a simple blowback principle, weighs approximately 1.5 kg, and is chambered for the 9×19mm Parabellum cartridge. It features a 33-round magazine capacity, an effective range of about 100 metres, and a high rate of fire, making it suitable for modern close-combat scenarios faced by troops, including Para (Special Forces) units.
Developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), the ‘Asmi’ is manufactured by Hyderabad-based Lokesh Machines Limited. In 2024, the Indian Army inducted 550 units of the weapon, marking a significant milestone in the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector.
Lt Gen RC Tiwari, while presenting the commendation, highlighted that Col Bansod’s innovative spirit and dedication reflect the finest traditions of the Indian Army. His efforts have not only strengthened the Army’s operational capabilities but have also reinforced the broader national goal of achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing by reducing dependence on imported small arms.
Colonel Prasad Bansod, who has previously demonstrated innovation by working on variants of existing weapon systems, has emerged as a symbol of officer-level ingenuity within the Indian Army. His contribution to the ‘Asmi’ project, completed in a remarkably short timeframe, has earned him recognition as the driving force behind India’s first indigenous machine pistol.
This award from Eastern Command underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to identifying, encouraging, and honouring serving officers who contribute meaningfully to indigenisation and technological advancement. It sends a strong message that innovation within the ranks is not only valued but actively supported at the highest levels of command.
The Indian Army continues to push for greater indigenisation across platforms, from small arms to complex systems, aligning with the nation’s vision of a self-reliant defence ecosystem. Col Bansod’s achievement stands as a shining example of how individual initiative, backed by institutional support, can deliver world-class solutions tailored to Indian operational requirements. His talent first come to the fore when he was posted at Infantry School in Mhow.
As the force moves towards enhanced technological sovereignty, recognitions such as the GOC-in-C Eastern Command Commendation Card serve to inspire a new generation of military innovators dedicated to strengthening India’s defence preparedness through indigenous excellence.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
