Eastern Command Makes Regional Language Debut On X With 2025 Durand Cup Posts

News18

17 hours ago

Last Updated:
Sources in the defence establishment told News18 this is part of a larger plan to regularly communicate in local languages, making the Army's outreach more inclusive & accessible
The defence communication strategy in India has undergone several changes, with a renewed focus on local outreach and public engagement. In a notable shift, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army has started using regional languages on social media to connect with a broader audience.
For the first time, the Eastern Command has posted updates in Bengali and Manipuri (Meitei) languages on its official social media platforms. Sources in the defence establishment told News18 that this is part of a larger plan to regularly communicate in local languages, making the Army's outreach more inclusive and accessible.
Two days ago, the Eastern Command shared a post about the upcoming 2025 Durand Cup in Bengali and Manipuri — marking the first time such communication has gone regional. A senior officer told News18, 'For the first time, we are putting out content in Bengali and Assamese, in addition to Hindi and English. The aim is to connect with everyone, across all regions."
Officials within the Eastern Command emphasised that this initiative is not just about promotion — it's about strengthening the Army's bond with the people. 'It is important that villagers and citizens across the country, especially in border areas, understand what the Indian Army stands for. From the Bengal border to Arunachal Pradesh, these are sensitive zones. Misinformation often spreads easily. Our goal is to build trust and provide a sense of security," said a source.
This digital regional outreach is expected to be especially impactful in regions like Arunachal Pradesh, where disinformation campaigns are frequent. The Army believes that communicating in local languages will not only counter misinformation but also reassure civilians of the Army's presence and support.
The Eastern Command's initiative has started with Bengali and Manipuri, but officials confirm that posts in other regional languages will follow soon.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the 2025 Durand Cup — officially titled the IndianOil Durand Cup due to its sponsorship by Indian Oil Corporation. The tournament, now in its 134th edition, is Asia's oldest football competition and the fourth to be organised under the aegis of the Asian Football Confederation.
The Durand Cup is jointly hosted by the Durand Football Tournament Society, the All India Football Federation (AIFF), the Eastern Command of the Indian Armed Forces, and the Government of West Bengal, with additional support from the governments of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Jharkhand.
This tournament holds a special place in the hearts of Bengalis, and officials believe that the use of Bengali in Army communications around the event will forge a deeper emotional connection with the local population.
'This is just the beginning," a senior officer added. 'We want the people to feel the Army is not distant — we are with them, speaking their language."
First Published:
July 07, 2025, 10:36 IST