Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kolkata on Sunday for a high-profile, two-day visit to inaugurate the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference—India’s apex strategic defence brainstorming forum—at the historic Fort William, the headquarters of the Army’s Eastern Command. The conference, set to commence Monday, brings together the country’s top military and civil leadership for crucial discussions on defence reforms, strategic innovation, and operational preparedness.
Key Highlights: Visit and Reception
The Prime Minister landed in Kolkata from Assam, marking his second visit to the city in less than a month and signalling the increasing importance of Bengal in national affairs.
He was received at the airport by Governor CV Ananda Bose, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar, local administration officials, and a gathering of supporters.
Security in the city was heightened, with traffic and parking restrictions announced in anticipation of the Prime Minister’s presence and conference logistics.
The Combined Commanders’ Conference: Core Objectives
Hosted at the Eastern Command headquarters (Vijay Durg/Fort William), the three-day conference runs from September 15-17, drawing Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and top brass from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
This year’s theme, “Year of Reforms – Transforming for the Future,” focuses on progress in higher defence reforms, establishment of integrated theatre commands, and scaling adoption of indigenous technology.
Strategic priorities include reviewing lessons from 2025’s Operation Sindoor—a tri-service campaign against terrorist targets—spotlighting capability gaps and innovation needs.
Major Agendas and Expected Outcomes
The forum fosters deep exchange between India’s senior civilian policymakers and military leaders on conceptual, strategic, and operational challenges facing the defence sector.
Key discussion points include future warfighting scenarios, enhancing jointness among the services, defense infrastructure modernization, and nurturing research partnerships for next-generation security solutions.
Outcomes from the conference aim to chart reform paths, strengthen national security architecture, and support India’s vision of self-reliant, technologically advanced armed forces.
Development Projects and Broader Itinerary
In addition to the defence summit, PM Modi is inaugurating several infrastructure projects in Kolkata and the region—including new express rail links to improve Northeast connectivity and a new Manipur Bhawan.
After concluding the conference, the Prime Minister will depart for Purnea, Bihar, to inaugurate the new terminal building of Purnea Airport and launch projects worth Rs 36,000 crore, further reinforcing his focus on pan-India development.
Political and Strategic Significance
The timing of Modi’s visit, ahead of Bengal elections next year, and his whirlwind tour of five states, showcases the government’s intention to link national security leadership with broad-based regional progress.
Local BJP leaders emphasized the pride of Kolkata hosting India’s premier defence forum, while Modi’s public engagements have drawn enthusiastic crowds and active civil society interest.
National security, military reform, and strategic preparedness remain at the centre of this important convergence of thought leadership.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Modi's arrival in Kolkata sets the stage for the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference, an event crucial to India’s defence transformation journey. With senior government and military figures convening to forge reforms and strategic innovation, Kolkata stands at the heart of India’s evolving security narrative—amid a broader push for connectivity, development, and national unity.
Sources: Tribune India, Indian Express, Hindustan Times, News18
