Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (September 15, 2025) inaugurated the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) in Kolkata, reaffirming its position as the apex-level strategic forum of the Armed Forces. Convened once every two years, the theme of this year’s CCC is ‘Year of Reforms-Transformation for the Future’.
The platform offers a rare platform for top civilian and military leadership to deliberate on India’s evolving security landscape, military preparedness, and long-term strategic transformation. During Monday’s session, a wide range of strategic issues including force modernization, jointness, integration and enhancing operational readiness for multi-domain warfare were discussed.
Combined Commanders’ Conference 2025 theme – ‘Year of Reforms – Transformation for the Future’ – underscores the ongoing push for military modernization. It reflects India’s commitment to restructuring its forces for emerging security challenges and technological disruptions, while reinforcing the vision of a future-ready military.
Combined Commanders’ Conference 2025: What PM Modi said on role of Armed Forces?
In his address, the Prime Minister lauded the Armed Forces for their success in Operation Sindoor, anti-piracy missions, evacuation of Indian citizens from conflict zones, and humanitarian aid to friendly nations. Their contribution to nation-building and disaster relief (HADR) was also highlighted as a key pillar of India’s global outreach.
The PM was briefed on the operational readiness of the forces in the context of the new normal created by Op Sindoor, future of warfare in the context of emerging technology and tactics. PM Modi also reviewed the reforms implemented in the last two years, and the plan for the next two years.
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What Directives Were Issued for Defence Reforms?
As 2025 has been designated the ‘Year of Reforms’, the Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Defence to fast-track reforms in Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation. He emphasized that future challenges demand seamless integration across services, indigenous defence capability, and technological agility to stay ahead in modern warfare.
Prime Minister Modi also unveiled Indian Armed Forces Vision 2047 document for a future ready armed forces of India. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MoS Defence Sanjay Seth, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan were present in the event.
What will the conference deliberate on next?
Over the next two days, the Combined Commanders’ Conference will conduct a comprehensive review of structural, administrative, and operational issues. Discussions will also focus on force preparedness amid global uncertainties and the roadmap for implementing the Prime Minister’s vision of a future-ready, reform-driven military.