Prime Minister Reviews Military Readiness In Combined Commanders Conference

Reviewing the global security situation and operational readiness, Prime Minister complimented the Combined Commanders of the Army, Navy, and Air Force in defending India.

In the valedictory session of the Combined Commander’s Conference at Bhopal yesterday PM Modi called on Forces to stay ready to deal with new and emerging threats. Stressing Aatmanirbharta and jointness, he assured all steps to equip Armed Forces with necessary weapons and technologies.

The 3-day conference with the theme of “Ready, Resurgent, Relevant” was unique in interactions with soldiers of every command of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force including Tri Services Andaman and Nicobar Command. Various aspects of digitization, absorbtion of Agniveers, modernization, and the Ukraine conflict were discussed.

PM Modi was accompanied by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and NSA Ajit Doval. He was briefed extensively by CDS General Anil Chauhan on the discussions. PM reviewed innovations and lauded the Forces for their role in Nation building and Humanitarian Assistance to Foreign countries, praising the quick disaster relief operations after the Turkey earthquake.

Last year too, instead of Delhi the CCC was held at Kewadia, Gujarat in line with PM’s concept. The three-day brainstorming topics of future wars were central to the year-long Ukraine war revealing the importance of stand-off weapons such as missiles, rockets, and armed drones as important lessons for India’s regional challenges. The East Ladakh stand-off for 3 years and emerging threat perceptions in the East were discussed. Vital aspects of guarding and optimizing India’s 7500 km coastline with Andoman Nicobar Command’s potential as a force multiplier were brainstormed. Modern-day challenges came to be seen with Navy Chief Admiral Hari Kumar reportedly testing positive for Covid-19 and leaving midway. Stressing on readiness to combat hybrid warfare Defence Minister too complimented the  Forces for protecting the National interest and supporting the Govt in its vision of “Aatmanirshar Bharat”

PM Modi’s tweet to the Nation summarised the successful conference- “Earlier today in Bhopal, took part in the Combined Commanders’ Conference. We had extensive discussions on ways to augment India’s security apparatus.”

Written by – Col. Ashish Khanna