Kolkata, September 15 (Economy India News): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the 16th edition of the Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) in Kolkata, highlighting the importance of jointness, self-reliance and innovation for ensuring the preparedness and effectiveness of India’s armed forces.
Held once every two years, the CCC is the highest-level deliberative forum of the armed forces, bringing together the nation’s top civilian and military leadership. The theme of this year’s conference is “Year of Reforms – Transformation for the Future”, in line with the government’s ongoing focus on modernization and capability enhancement.
PM Praises Armed Forces for Critical Role
The Prime Minister commended the armed forces for their successful execution of Operation Sindoor, as well as for their contributions in:
- Nation building and national security
- Counter-piracy operations
- Safe evacuation of Indian citizens from conflict zones
- Providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to friendly nations
He underscored that the armed forces have consistently risen to challenges both within and beyond India’s borders, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a responsible regional and global power.
Call for Faster Implementation of Reforms
Declaring 2025 as the “Year of Reforms” in the defence sector, PM Modi directed the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to accelerate concrete measures aimed at:
- Enhancing jointness among the three services
- Expanding self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in defence manufacturing
- Fostering innovation to meet emerging challenges
The Prime Minister emphasized that the forces must remain prepared to deal with future warfare driven by emerging technologies and evolving strategies.
Focus on Future Warfare and Preparedness
During the briefing, the Prime Minister was apprised of the operational readiness of the armed forces in the context of new scenarios created by Operation Sindoor. He also reviewed:
- The reforms undertaken in the past two years
- The roadmap for reforms in the coming two years
- The implications of emerging global security dynamics
Two-Day Deliberations on Roadmap Ahead
Over the next two days, the conference will undertake a comprehensive review of structural, administrative and operational matters across the services. Key discussions will include:
- Incorporating feedback from the forces on the ground
- Assessing preparedness in light of global uncertainties
- Developing a roadmap to implement PM Modi’s vision of a more integrated, modern, and future-ready force
The 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference marks a crucial step in aligning India’s military preparedness with the realities of modern warfare. By emphasizing jointness, self-reliance, and innovation, PM Modi has set a clear direction for the defence establishment. The upcoming deliberations are expected to chart a roadmap that will not only strengthen India’s armed forces but also position the country as a global leader in security, resilience, and strategic foresight.
(Economy India)
