16th Combined Commanders’ Conference 2025: 7 Powerful Defence Reforms Unveiled

16th Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC): 2025

In Kolkata, Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the 16th edition of the Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC).

• He directed the Ministry of Defence to take swift measures to strengthen self-reliance (Atmanirbharta), innovation, and jointness among the armed forces.
• The chosen theme of the conference is ‘Year of Reforms – Shaping the Future through Transformation.

Key Points: 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC)

Review of Security Situation:

• PM Modi reviewed the operational preparedness of the armed forces.
• Special focus on the new normal created by Operation Sindoor, future warfare technologies, and modern tactics.

Launch of Vision Document:

• The PM unveiled the “Indian Armed Forces Vision 2047”, outlining a roadmap for building a future-ready military to meet emerging global challenges.

Operational Achievements Highlighted:

• Modi praised the forces for their efforts in:

• Operation Sindoor – securing strategic objectives.
• Anti-piracy missions in international waters.
• Evacuation of Indian citizens from global conflict zones.
• Nation-building activities and disaster relief operations.

Focus Areas of Discussion:

• Force modernization with cutting-edge technology.
• Jointness and integration between the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Enhancing operational readiness for multi-domain warfare (land, air, sea, cyber, space).
• Structural and administrative reforms to improve efficiency.

Participants:

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, and top officials of the Army, Navy, and Air Force attended.
• The CCC brings together senior civilian and military leadership for high-level strategic discussions.

About Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC):

• Frequency: Held once every two years.
• Nature: It is the apex-level brainstorming forum of the armed forces.
• Purpose:

• To review strategic, operational, and structural matters of national defence.
• To foster inter-services synergy and better coordination between civil and military leadership.
• To prepare the forces for emerging global security challenges.

• The Prime Minister of India presides over the Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC).
• The CCC is the highest-level military forum where the Prime Minister leads the deliberations with top civilian and military leadership.
• The Defence Minister, National Security Adviser (NSA), Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and Service Chiefs (Army, Navy, Air Force) also actively participate.
• The PM provides strategic direction, sets national security priorities, and reviews operational preparedness of the armed forces.

Significance of the 16th CCC:

• Marks 2025 as the Year of Defence Reforms.
• Sets the stage for transformative changes in India’s defence ecosystem.
• Positions India’s armed forces to handle future multi-domain warfare efficiently.
• Strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging indigenous defence production and innovation.