Modi Addresses Military Leaders Conference

Summary: Combined Commanders’ Conference Address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

• Event Overview: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the Combined Commanders’ Conference from September 15 to 17, 2025, in Kolkata. This will be his first engagement with top military leadership following the success of Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.

• Focus Areas of the Conference:

  • Progress on higher defence reforms, particularly the establishment of three integrated theatre commands aimed at improving the operational efficiency and synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force in future conflicts.
  • Discussion on the lessons learnt from Operation Sindoor, which will influence the evolving military command structure being designed by the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) under Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.

• Theatre Commands:

  • The theatre commands, once implemented, will alter India’s warfighting architecture by integrating the armed forces under unified command structures tailored to specific geographical areas.
  • There had been discussions regarding the structure of these commands during the recent ‘Ran Samvaad’ at the Army War College in Mhow, highlighting differing opinions from the Air Chief and Navy Chief.

• Additional Key Themes:

  • The conference will also review the advancements towards self-reliance in defence, emphasizing the development of indigenous weapon systems.
  • Notably, the Prime Minister had announced ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’ on Independence Day, aiming to establish an indigenous air defense system by 2035.
  • On August 19, 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the procurement of 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force, reflecting ongoing efforts in self-reliance and modernization of the armed forces.

• Official Participation: The Prime Minister will deliver his remarks on the second day, followed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the third day of the conference.

• Conference Frequency: The Combined Commanders’ Conference is held biannually; this year it was initially planned for April but was rescheduled due to Operation Sindoor. The previous conference took place in 2023 in Bhopal.

• Publication Date: The article containing this information was published on September 5, 2025.

This conference aims to solidify India’s defence reforms while adapting to lessons from recent military operations, furthering the nation’s goal of self-reliance in defence production.

Important Points:

• Prime Minister Modi to address military leadership at Combined Commanders’ Conference in Kolkata (Sept 15-17, 2025).
• First address post-success of Operation Sindoor against Pakistan.
• Focus on integrated theatre commands for enhanced operational efficiency.
• Lessons from Operation Sindoor will inform evolving military command structures.
• ‘Mission Sudarshan Chakra’ announced to develop indigenous air defense system by 2035.
• CCS approved procurement of 97 LCA Mark 1A fighter aircraft for IAF on August 19, 2025.
• Conference is biannual; this year's event was rescheduled from April 2025 due to military operations.