The 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) 2025 was officially opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday at the Eastern Command headquarters in Kolkata. This marked the beginning of a three-day high-level discussion between India’s senior military and civilian officials.
Speaking to the highest forum for the armed services, he praised their diverse achievements, which include nation-building, marine anti-piracy missions, rescuing Indian residents from conflict areas, and providing humanitarian aid to friendly countries in times of natural disaster.
In order to meet the fast changing nature of warfare, PM Modi instructed the Ministry of Defence to put into effect tangible steps that improve interservice cooperation, expedite Atmanirbharta’s self-reliance, and foster innovation.
According to the official statement, the focus is because 2025 has been designated as the “year of reforms” in defense, with the goal of strengthening operational coherence and creating a force that can adapt technologically to the challenges of a changing world.
The CCC, which takes place every two years, is the highest level platform for intense military brainstorming and allows for open communication between national leadership and the defense establishment.
The conference will examine operational, administrative, and structural factors that are crucial to strengthening India’s combat readiness and resilience in the face of growing international unpredictability and Indo-Pacific security dynamics throughout the course of the following two days.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Army, Navy, and Air Force service chiefs, and Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen RC Tiwari all actively participated in the Kolkata conference, demonstrating its strategic significance.
Future directions on combined theatre commands, the adoption of domestic technology, and force reorganization are anticipated to be shaped by their discussions, which would be in line with India’s larger objectives for defense reform.
The Prime Minister left with a strong message of urgency and resolution for the armed services to stay future-ready and reform-driven in the face of growing global uncertainty after kicking off the conference and departing for Purnea in Bihar.
