Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the Defence Ministry to prioritize and swiftly implement measures to enhance integration, self-reliance ('aatmanirbharta'), and innovation within the armed forces. This directive was given during a review of the security situation with the top military brass in Kolkata on Monday.

The Prime Minister's emphasis on greater integration comes amid ongoing discussions and some differences among the Army, Navy, and Air Force regarding the creation of theatre commands to foster a more integrated and cost-effective war-fighting approach.

During the Combined Commanders Conference (CCC) in Kolkata, the Prime Minister received a briefing on the operational readiness of the armed forces, particularly in the context of the "new normal" established by Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor refers to the conflict between India and Pakistan in May , and the discussions also covered the future of warfare, considering emerging technologies and tactics. As per the "new normal" established after Operation Sindoor, any act of cross-border terrorism will be considered an act of war and will be met with a decisive response. Furthermore, the Prime Minister has asserted that Pakistan's nuclear threats will not deter India from striking terror bases, without differentiating between terrorists and their sponsors.

The Prime Minister commended the armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor and their contributions to nation-building, anti-piracy efforts, the safe return of Indian citizens from conflict zones, and providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to friendly countries.

The Combined Commanders Conference, held biennially, serves as a high-level forum for strategic discussions, bringing together top civilian and military leaders to exchange views and establish a foundation for the future development of India's military preparedness. The theme for this year's conference is 'Year of Reforms - Transforming for the Future,' which aligns with the ongoing modernization and transformation of the armed forces. Deliberations at the conference are expected to focus on strengthening the armed forces to ensure they remain agile, decisive, and prepared for the evolving geo-strategic landscape.

In addition to addressing integration, the Prime Minister has stressed the importance of self-reliance and innovation in the defense sector. He urged the Ministry of Defence to implement concrete steps to achieve greater self-reliance ('aatmanirbharta') and foster innovation to effectively address future challenges and be prepared for any eventuality. The Prime Minister also reviewed the reforms implemented over the past two years and the plans for the next two years.

The Indian Army recently conducted Exercise Siyom Prahar from September 8 to 10, 2025, which focused on integrating drone technology into tactical operations. The exercise involved employing drones for surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, and precision strikes, highlighting their potential to enhance combat effectiveness. The outcomes of this exercise are expected to provide valuable lessons for operational integration, employment concepts, and force multiplication.