PM Modi inaugurates 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kolkata, urges swift defence reforms
Kolkata. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 15 inaugurated the 16th edition of the Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kolkata, calling on the armed forces and the Ministry of Defence to accelerate reforms in jointness, indigenisation and innovation to prepare for future challenges.
The biennial conference is the highest-level forum for military and civilian leadership to deliberate on the country’s defence preparedness. This year’s theme, ‘Year of Reforms: Transformation for the Future’, reflects the government’s focus on modernising the armed forces in line with emerging technologies and new warfare tactics, according to a press statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Addressing the commanders, Modi commended the military for the success of Operation Sindoor, as well as its role in nation-building, anti-piracy missions, evacuation of Indian citizens from conflict zones, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations in friendly countries. He emphasised that 2025, designated the year of reforms in defence, must see “concrete steps” towards strengthening self-reliance and synergy among the services.
During the opening session, the Prime Minister was briefed on the operational readiness of the forces in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, as well as evolving global security scenarios shaped by new technologies. He also reviewed the reforms undertaken over the past two years and the roadmap for further measures in the coming two years.
Over the next two days, the conference will carry out a comprehensive review of structural, administrative and operational issues, examine the preparedness of the armed forces amid growing global uncertainties, and chart the course for the implementation of the Prime Minister’s vision for defence transformation.
