The Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) 2025, held in Kolkata from September 15 to 17, has set a bold agenda for India’s defence forces, underscoring the need for transformative reforms and technological self-reliance. As the apex forum for the Ministry of Defence and the three armed services, the conference brought together top decision-makers to shape the future of India’s military capabilities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh both addressed the conference, emphasising the need for continuous reforms and indigenous defence innovation. “Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, and Innovation” were the cornerstones of the Prime Minister’s vision, urging the forces to enhance operational readiness through deeper integration and technological advancement.
The conference began with a high-impact demonstration by the Joint Operations Command Centre, showcasing India’s state-of-the-art capabilities in air surveillance, missile defence, and counter-drone operations. This set the stage for discussions on the evolving nature of warfare, particularly in the context of rapid technological advancements.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan provided a comprehensive review of major reforms implemented over the past two years, offering clarity on progress achieved. The conference also saw the official release of the ‘Joint Military Space Doctrine,’ a significant milestone in institutionalising space as a critical domain of national security.
Day two of the conference delved into the growing importance of information warfare, with discussions on strategic neighbourhood dynamics and the impact of geopolitical shifts on India’s security environment. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed the need for agility, resilience, and foresight in defence planning, urging the forces to adapt to unconventional threats such as information, ideological, ecological, and biological warfare.
The conference also addressed critical issues in procurement processes, financial delegation, and the challenges faced by the armed forces in acquiring advanced equipment. The welfare of personnel and veterans remained a central focus, with a review of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme.
On the final day, CDS General Chauhan provided an update on the “Year of Reforms,” elaborating on action plans aligned with the Prime Minister’s and Defence Minister’s directives. The discussion emphasised enhancing jointness and integration across the services, fostering interoperability, and streamlining decision-making. The need for a technology-led approach to modern warfare was underscored, with innovations integrated into operational doctrine.
The conference concluded with a reaffirmation of the armed forces’ commitment to continuous transformation, ensuring they remain agile, self-reliant, and future-ready. The CCC 2025 has laid the groundwork for a more integrated, technologically advanced, and operationally agile force, capable of addressing multi-domain threats and safeguarding national interests in an increasingly complex global environment.