PM Modi Leads Combined Commanders’ Conference In Kolkata
Newz Daddy Defence Updates
The Prime Minister inaugurated the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kolkata today. Held once every two years, this conference is the apex-level brainstorming forum of the Armed Forces, which brings together the nation’s top civilian and military leadership to exchange views and lay the groundwork for the future development of India’s military preparedness. The theme of the Conference is ‘Year of Reforms – Transformation for the Future’, in line with the ongoing modernisation and transformation of the Armed Forces.
This event has been an important part of India’s defence planning since it first started. Past conferences have been hosted in places like Jodhpur, Kevadia, and even on board naval ships, symbolising unity among the three services. It allows leaders to discuss not just war strategies, but also cyber defence, space security, and coordination with allies. The choice of Kolkata this year also highlights the city’s historic role as a defence hub during India’s colonial past and World War II.
Prime Minister complimented the Armed Forces for the success of Operation Sindoor as well as the integral role played by the Armed Forces in nation building, anti-piracy, safe return of Indian citizens from conflict zones, as well as providing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) assistance to friendly countries. In line with 2025 being the ‘year of reforms’ in defence, the Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Defence to swiftly implement concrete steps to achieve greater Jointness, Atmanirbharta and Innovation to meet future challenges and to prevail against any eventuality.
Operation Sindoor is the most recent large-scale success where Indian forces neutralised threats at sea. Such operations are vital as 90% of India’s trade by volume moves through the ocean. Anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden have already saved hundreds of ships and sailors in the last decade. The Indian Armed Forces also lead global rescue missions. During “Operation Ganga” in 2022, thousands of Indian students were safely evacuated from Ukraine. These stories explain why the Prime Minister praised the armed forces for not only guarding the borders but also protecting lives everywhere.
The Prime Minister was briefed on the operational readiness of the forces in the context of the new normal created by Operation Sindoor, the future of warfare in the context of emerging technology and tactics. The Prime Minister also reviewed the reforms implemented in the last two years and the plan for the next two years.
Emerging warfare is no longer only about tanks and guns. Today, countries are investing in drones, satellites, cyber-attacks, and artificial intelligence. India has already built indigenous drones and tested hypersonic technology. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on new missile systems and electronic warfare. The reforms reviewed by the Prime Minister include the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff, theatre command planning, and big steps to cut down defence imports by supporting Indian industries under the “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” missions.
Over the next two days, the Conference would conduct a holistic review of various structural, administrative and operational matters based on feedback from across the forces, preparedness of the armed forces in the face of increasing global uncertainties, as well as discussions to develop the roadmap for implementation of the vision of the Prime Minister.
This holistic review is important because the world is seeing fast changes in geopolitics. The Russia-Ukraine war, tensions in the South China Sea, and cyber conflicts have shown that global stability is fragile. For India, this means preparing not just for traditional wars but also for new challenges like cyber espionage and drone swarms. The focus on “jointness” means the Army, Navy, and Air Force will train and fight as one team, supported by modern technology. By setting reforms as the theme of this year’s Combined Commanders’ Conference, the government is making clear that the future of India’s defence lies in innovation, unity, and self-reliance.
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Prime Minister Leads at Combined Commanders’ Conference, Kolkata
