First Joint Commanders' Conference Kickstarts with Focus on Future-Ready Armed Forces

The inaugural Joint Commanders' Conference began in Lucknow, emphasizing the theme 'Sashakt and Surakshit Bharat: Transforming Armed Forces.' Key military leaders discussed future military strategies, integration, and modernization to adapt to the evolving operational environment.

The first Joint Commanders' Conference (JCC) began in Lucknow on Wednesday, centered around the theme 'Sashakt and Surakshit Bharat: Transforming Armed Forces.' According to a Ministry of Defence press release, the conference aims to shape the future of India's military to adapt to the changing operational environment. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, along with Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Choudhari, led the convocation, which brought together the apex-level hierarchy from the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces.

While reviewing the current security situation and the defence preparedness of the Armed Forces, CDS emphasized the importance of jointness and future plans for enhancing integration across various domains. This integration is crucial for adapting to the contours of future warfare and effect-based operations. General Anil Chauhan applauded the three Services for initiating numerous measures along the roadmap for integration, stressing that it was a step-by-step process starting with cross-service cooperation, leading to a 'Joint Culture,' and ultimately achieving integration of forces for joint operations.

Deliberations also focused on establishing command and control centers with the necessary infrastructure to facilitate decision-making. General Chauhan highlighted the need for operational preparedness to meet emerging challenges, underscoring the urgent need for modernization to stay ready and relevant and achieve strategic autonomy. Additionally, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to attend the conference on the second day, where he will engage in detailed deliberations with senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and the apex leadership of the Indian Armed Forces.

(With inputs from agencies.)