The 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference 2025 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kolkata, marking a pivotal moment for India’s defence transformation and strategic preparedness.
Combined Commanders Conference 2025
Significance and Context
The Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) serves as the highest-level brainstorming forum of the Indian Armed Forces, uniting senior civil and military leadership to discuss and establish long-term strategic objectives. The 2025 edition focused on the theme: “Year of Reforms – Transformation for the Future”, echoing ongoing efforts for institutional reforms, deep integration, and technological modernization within the defence establishment.
Main Agenda and Themes
- Reforms & Transformation: Deliberations emphasized accelerating reforms in command structures, operational protocols, and administrative processes, aimed at achieving greater jointness, self-reliance (Atmanirbharta), and innovation across the services.
- Operational Preparedness: The conference reviewed the successes of recent operations like Operation Sindoor and assessed preparedness in light of emerging global uncertainties.
- Modern Warfare: Discussions included adapting to disruptive technologies, tactics, and multi-domain warfare to keep pace with the evolving nature of conflict.
- Inclusive Engagement: CCC 2025 featured interactive sessions involving officers and personnel from various ranks to ensure field-level perspectives were brought into strategic planning.
Key Attendees and Participation
The conference was attended by Prime Minister Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and senior commanders from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
Outcomes and Roadmap
- Prime Minister Modi called for swifter implementation of defence reforms, with a focus on jointness, indigenous technologies, and innovation.
- The Ministry of Defence was urged to sustain the momentum of transformation established over the past two years, with a clear plan outlined for further development through 2027.
- The conference aimed to consolidate operational experience, technological modernization, and integrated warfare capabilities for a future-ready military.
Strategic Impact
CCC 2025 underscored India’s commitment to maintaining agility, decisiveness, and leadership amidst a complex geopolitical landscape. The focus on reforms, operational readiness, and advanced technologies highlights the resolve to create an armed forces structure equipped for the demands of tomorrow.
In summary, the Combined Commanders’ Conference 2025 in Kolkata marked a transformative juncture for India’s defence establishment, setting ambitious goals for military modernization and strategic integration.
