In September 2025, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at Vijay Durg(formerly Fort William), headquarters of the Eastern Command (EC) of Indian Army (IA) in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB).
- The 16th CCC held from September 15 to 17, 2025, under the theme “Year of Reforms – Transformation for the Future”, focused on the ongoing modernization and transformation of India’s Armed Forces.
Exam Hints:
- What? Inauguration of Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC)
- Edition: 16th
- Inaugurated by: PM Narendra Modi
- Where? Kolkata (WB)
- Vision Document: Indian Armed Forces Vision 2047
- Key Announcements:
- Merger of education wings of IA, IN & IAF
- Setting up of 3 new Joint Military Stations
- Previous Edition: 15th CCC, Bhopal(MP) (2023)
Background:
Event: The CCC was first held in 2007 as a biennial forum for strategic discussions between India’s top civilian leadership and the Armed Forces.
High-level Forum: It is the apex-level forum for civil and military leaders to discuss strategic, institutional and operational priorities through interactive sessions and lay the groundwork for the future development of India’s military preparedness.
Previous Edition: The 15th edition of CCC was held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (MP) in 2023.
About 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC):
Key Dignitaries: Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor (NSA); General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS); Rajesh Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Defence (MoD) and top senior officials from the 3 Armed Forces, were present at the event.
Key Focus Areas: During the 3-day long conference, discussions were focused on key strategic issues including, force modernization, jointness, integration and improving operational readiness for multi-domain warfare.
Unveiled Vision Document: During the event, PM Narendra Modi unveiled the ‘Indian Armed Forces Vision 2047’ document, outlining the path for future-ready Indian Armed Forces.
- It highlights the adoption of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence(AI), cyber warfare tools, space-based assets, and data-driven decision-making systems to strengthen the operational framework of the armed forces.
Key Announcements: On the concluding day of the 16th CCC, two major announcements were made by the Service Chiefs and Commanders of the Armed Forces:
- Merger of Education Wings Armed Forces: The 1st announcement was regarding the merger of the education branches of 3 Armed Forces i.e. IA, Indian Navy (IN) and Indian Air Force (IAF), to establish a unified Tri-Service Education Corps.
- 3 Joint Military Stations: The 2nd announcement was regarding the establishment of 3 Joint Military Stations in India, aimed to enhance efficiency and coordination in operations across the armed forces. At present, only tri-services command is based in Andaman & Nicobar(AN) Islands.
About Indian Army (IA):
Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) – General Upendra Dwivedi
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Established- 1895
Motto- Seva Paramo Dharma (Service Before Self)
