PM Modi Launches Key Defence Conference In Kolkata; Emphasising Military Modernisation

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at Vijay Durg, the Eastern Command Headquarters of the Indian Army, located at the historic Fort William in Kolkata.

The three-day event runs from 15 to 17 September and is considered the apex forum for high-level discussions on India’s military strategy and preparedness.

This year’s conference is themed ‘Year of Reforms – Transforming for the Future’, highlighting the importance of reshaping India’s defence architecture to meet emerging global and regional challenges.

Discussions will cover strategic transformation, enhanced operational capabilities, technological integration, and greater synergy across the three Services.

Gathering of India’s Top Defence Leadership

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and senior officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Integrated Defence Staff joined the Prime Minister.

The presence of both civilian and military leaders underlines the strategic importance of the forum.

Deliberations during the conference will centre on operational preparedness, inter-service coordination, defence procurement reform, and strengthening self-reliance in military production.

The Indian Armed Forces aim to adapt quickly to a fast-changing security environment, with emphasis on agility, decisiveness, and technological superiority.

Moreover, the event serves as a platform for evaluating India’s defence posture and evolving joint strategies to secure national interests across land, air, sea, cyber, and space domains.

PM Modi’s Visit and Departure

PM Modi arrived in Kolkata on Sunday evening and spent the night at Raj Bhavan.

On Monday morning, he inaugurated the CCC at Vijay Durg and interacted with key stakeholders.

Following the inauguration, he departed for Bihar later in the day, concluding his visit to West Bengal.

Leaders at the conference will lay the groundwork for long-term defence reforms and policy initiatives.

Furthermore, with geopolitical dynamics shifting rapidly, the CCC seeks to ensure that India’s armed forces remain future-ready, deeply integrated, and technologically equipped for the challenges ahead.

As India’s defence doctrine evolves, forums like the Combined Commanders’ Conference continue to play a pivotal role in shaping policy, fostering collaboration, and maintaining the country’s strategic edge on the global stage.

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